Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

N.T.#292 "Who Do You Say Jesus Is?"

April 26, 2024 

Matthew 26-Part 15

LET IT GLOW 

Thanks to Judas, Jesus had been identified, confronted, and captured. 

I like how Charles Swindoll put it: The Jewish leaders considered Jesus of Nazareth to be a false messiah, a charlatan whose words and actions were leading people astray. If He wasn't dealt with expeditiously, He would rile up the common folk and likely cause a revolt, bringing Roman wrath upon the land, upon the people-God forbid-upon the cozy, established leadership of the priests and elders of Israel. The Sanhedrin needed to find Jesus guilty of blasphemy according to Jewish law. 

They planned out unjust and illegal trials by the power-hungry priests and corrupt council. Keep in mind that their evil and illegal plan was carried out in the dark. Isn't that the way it goes? 

LET IT GROW 

Studying deeper into the false trials of Jesus, He stood before 6 corrupt trials with false accusations and after the lying witnesses. 

First, Jesus appeared before Annas, a former high priest that same year and father-in-law of Caiaphas. (John 18:13) Annas had great influence over the Sanhedrin and advised Caiaphas. No specific charges were brought by Annas. This priest found Jesus guilty of irreverance and sent Him to Caiaphas. There is more detail of the conversation between the two found in John18:19-23. Annas was interested in Jesus' disciples and doctrine, for He had many followers. Christ appealed to have witnesses produced who could testify about His teachings. They failed to do so, therefore His trial was going to be illegal. (No representation) Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas.

Secondly, Jesus appeared before Caiaphas, the high priest. We pick up this trial in Matthew 26:57-67. The witnesses against Jesus claimed He said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it three days. (Matthew 26:61) This was true, not a false accusation. (John 2:19) 

Jesus remained silent. (verse 63) Then Caiaphas said, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (verse 63)

Adjure means to exact an oath. 

The high priest wanted Jesus to stand there and openly admit Him to be the son of the Living God. Instead, 

Jesus replied, You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God's right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven. (verse 64, NLT)

Caiaphas accused Jesus of blasphemy in verse 65. Blasphemy means defame; speak evil (the first time it was used) and speaking against God (the second time used)

The high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict? (verses 65-66, NLT) 

Caiaphas was asking the Sanhedrin, the High council of the Jews.

What did they shout? He is guilty of death. (verse 66)

Here was the Son of God, Jesus Christ, proclaiming Truth, for He is Truth. Jesus did not lie, which was a sin. Those previous 25 chapters taught us this. the ones guilty of sin were the high priests and the council. Yet it was in God's ultimate plan. He gave those Jewish leaders a chance to declare faith in Jesus as the Messiah, yet they would not. How sad it must have been for Jesus to seen into their sinful hearts.

Friend, have you declared Jesus is the Messiah and Savior, the Son of the Living God? Better yet, who do you say Jesus is?

LET IT GO

Precious Jesus, forgive us of our sins.

Forgive us when we do not declare You are the Only Savior.