Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Those who had arrested Jesus took Him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy this temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge you under oath by the Living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus replied, “Yes, it is as you say. But I say to all of you: In the future, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death.” Then they spit in His face and struck Him with their fists. Others slapped Him and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”
– Matthew 26:57-67
Devotion
Some scholars who are critical of biblical Christianity say, “Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah or the Son of God.” In the above text, the high priest asked Jesus a direct question concerning His identity. He asked Him if He was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus’ reply cannot be misunderstood. He answered, “Yes, it is as you say.” In fact, He would be put to death for blasphemy because He claimed to be the Christ, the Son of God.
The Big Question
There is no lack of clarity concerning the person and work of Christ. The divine Son of God came into this world that He might reconcile mankind to God. Now you must decide what you will do with Jesus’ claims. Jesus was put to death for speaking the truth. Are you a Christ follower? Faced with a life or death scenario, would you boldly proclaim your faith in Christ, or would you deny Him? In this text, Jesus speaks concerning the future. How does this encourage you in your faith walk?