THOUGHTS FROM MATTHEW

October 6

Text: Matthew 26:62-64

And the high priest stood up and said to Him, "Do You make no answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?"  But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God."  Jesus *said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN."  (NASB)

There is an enormous frustration that comes upon us when the “ordinary” does not impact a person in an “ordinary” (predictable) way.  You “get in the face” of the person, but the person remains calm.  You curse the person, but the person does not fight.  You shout false accusations, and the person says nothing.  You make every effort to embarrass and humiliate the person, but the person refuses to be offended by your actions.    How frustrating!

If you understand this, then you know how the high priest felt.  Jesus met all the false accusations against him with silence.  People are NOT supposed to act in that manner!  They are supposed to be filled with resentment and angrily lash out at the injustices!

A frustrated high priest (do you not get frustrated when your important plan does not work?) administered an official court oath—“I adjure you . . .”  Only then did Jesus speak.  The high priest went directly to the point: “Tell us if you are the Christ . . .”   This was said as an accusation, not as a declaration of faith.

Jesus answered in an understood affirmation followed by a promise of return.  He would leave as the rejected, but he would return to pronounce God’s sentence.

Jesus’ response was an observation, not a threat.  It was NOT a declaration that angrily said, “You will get yours—I personally will see that it happens!”  It was the promise that they would see him again in very different circumstances. 

When a person knows that the injustice he endures fulfills God’s purposes, his reaction to the injustice  is quite different!

Suggestion for reflection: The Christian knows forgiveness exists for all, but no one “gets away” with anything.  (Read 1 Peter 2:18-25.)

David's Home Page Previous Day Index Next Day

 Copyright 2011 David Chadwell