164. Jesus’ trial
before the high priests- Matt. 26:57-68; 27:1, Mark 14:55-65, Luke 22:54,
63-71, John 18:12-14, 19-24
-Jesus is led by the officers from Gethsemane to Annas and
then to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, as we can ascertain from the
Scriptures. He is taken in for questioning in an attempt to garner testimony
that would condemn Him before the chief priest, the scribes, and the elders.
This was an illegal gathering according to their laws of the Sanhedrin
(prominent Sadducees and Pharisees). Many were brought forward to give
accusation against the Lord, but they did not concur and were proven false
again and again because of disagreements in their witness. It finally came down
to a direct question from the high priest as to if He was the Messiah, the Son
of the Blessed (Mark 14:61). When Jesus claimed that, “I Am, and you will see
the Son of Man seated at the right Hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of
Heaven (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69-70),” it was enough to draw the
ire of the council and condemn Him for blasphemy. His fate in the eyes of the
Jewish leaders was sealed at that point, but they could not crucify Him without
permission from the governor, which would be the next step in the passion of
Christ Jesus. *Application* When we stand against the accusers in our life, how
do we react? We learn from Jesus here that our testimony needs to be true and
accurate with no deception or lies. We don’t need to make up stories or excuses
when confronted, and we don’t have to say all that much. Christ really made no
defense. His life backed up His testimony. He would come with Power from on
High, which was not a lie fabricated in His mind with falsehood. He simply
spoke the facts and left the results to God. So should we when accusation
arises. Live with integrity.
Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 26:64
165. Peter denies
Jesus- Matt. 26:58, 69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18, 25-27
-Peter, and one other disciple unknown to the high priest
(probably John), follow the Christ into His custody hearing before the high
priests, the scribes, and the elders at the house of Caiaphas. There are
different accounts of how things happened in the gospels, but we see the Word
of Christ coming to fulfillment in the life of Peter, the man who claimed just
hours earlier he would never leave or forsake the Lord even to death (Matthew
26:35, Mark 14:29, Luke 22:33). Peter is with Him, but denies even knowing the
Man three times before the rooster crowed twice. His response was remorse and
bitter weeping knowing that he was not the man he thought he was in light of
all that had just happened. He had not yet received the Holy Spirit and the
power that would later characterize his life as we read in Acts. Satan had desired
to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31), but Christ prayed for him and he would be
restored in faith and turn back to the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke
22:32). He had cursed the very association with Christ Jesus and denied Him
flatly and plainly. However, this was not the end and he would receive the
grace and forgiveness every person needs from the Savior. *Application* O how
sweet restoration is! We have it in Christ, who is our great Intercessor before
the LORD (Romans 8:34). Please realize how great a God we have that cares for
us in our weakness and restores us, and our weak constitutions in depravity,
through the remission of sins. Even when we have great intentions, we like
Peter, fail and don’t stand for God at times. Turn back to Him and let Him fill
you with His strength and power through the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.
Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 26:75
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