Scripture

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.”

Observation

Judas comes with a crowd of armed men. He kisses Jesus, according to a pre-arranged signal. The men arrest Jesus. One of the disciples waves a sword, slashing off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Jesus tells him to put away the sword. He then meekly goes away with the guards.

Jesus is taken to the home of Caiaphas the High Priest. The priests and the high council try to find witnesses who will lie about Jesus. Finally, they find two men who declare that Jesus had said He was able to tear down the Temple and rebuild it in three days.

Jesus then tells them He is the Messiah and that he will come on the clouds of heaven. The High Priest tears his clothes and says “Blasphemy!”

They decide that Jesus is guilty and deserves to die.

Application

The phrase “coming on the clouds of heaven” is an expression that means to judge a people. In this case, Jesus is saying that these priests will recognise that He is the Messiah when He comes in judgement against the Jewish religious system. This happened in the year 70, when the whole of Jerusalem, and the Temple in particular, were destroyed by the Roman legions.

Recognising Jesus as the Messiah is not a matter of opinion or a religious preference. Jesus is, in fact, the Son of God whether we want to believe it or not. He will judge these who resist or oppose His rule .

If Jesus really is the Son of God, the only rational response is to worship Him as such an to determine to obey Him. This is called becoming a disciple or being born again.

Everyone will see the Son of Man seated the right hand of God. Those who acknowledge him as Lord will be raised to life. But those who reject him face everlasting torment.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you truly are the Son of Man. I praise you and I worship you. Amen.