THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 26:63-68
“‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.” (Matthew 26:64)
This is the most important question in the history of mankind.
When Adam and Eve sinned, God promised a messiah to crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15).
He would reverse the curse and restore Adam’s position as ‘Son of God’ (Luke 3:38).
He would restore God’s kingdom for them, to rule at God’s right hand (Genesis 1:26-28).
Either Jesus is the hope of the world, or there is no hope at all.
Yet how can this meek messiah save anyone, He cannot even save Himself?
But this is the wonder of God’s plan of salvation: He breaks the grip of selfish power.
It is our self-assertion, self-advancement, self-interest, etc. that curses our world.
Jesus refuses to play Satan’s game of looking out for self, and He so He beats Satan.
Jesus rules the world through grace, mercy and peace, and He will win.
Like the cross, it seems that this way leads to defeat, but it ends with the crown!
The world continues to use selfish power – like the religious leaders did to Jesus.
But those who stand with Jesus by faith, and join with Him in grace, mercy and peace…
Will one day be seen with Jesus at God’s right hand, coming on the clouds of heaven!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are the messiah, the son of God. And with You I am restored as child of God. I stand with You in meekness, I lead this world with You in grace, mercy and peace!
Jesus was judged by the Sanhedrin which broke their own laws for a fair trial using false witnesses. They had hoped He would say something that they could use as evidence for criminal action. When they pressed His claim to be the Messiah, all Jesus said was ‘I am.’ This claim – to be the Son of God – was blasphemy and therefor punishable by death. Christ Jesus knew what was to happen and it was all according to God’s purposes. He would have the victory. He would overcome. He stood fast and true.
Help me daily Lord to stand up for Jesus.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.