Reflection on Matthew 26:57-76

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

Jesus is taken to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter follows at a distance.

The leading priests in the Sanhedrin try to find witnesses who will agree in their testimony. Finally, they find two who claim that Jesus had said He would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.

Jesus remains silent in the face of these charges. Then the high priest demands that Jesus confirms if He is the Messiah. Jesus does confirm this.

In the courtyard, Peter is confronted on three occasions that he is a follower of Jesus. He denies this each time, but then the rooster crows. He remembers that Jesus had foretold this. He goes away, weeping bitterly.

Application

Jesus is utterly vulnerable, at the mercy of the Jewish leaders.

He responds to the question. Are you the Messiah? He says that he is the Messiah, and that they will see him sitting in glory at the Father’s right hand.

There is a great irony in this situation. They see a man who is under their control. Jesus says He is the one who reigns over all things with God the Father.

What we see of Jesus depends on faith. The facts are the same, but our interpretation depends on faith.

Is Jesus really the Messiah?

Is Jesus really alive?

Is Jesus reigning with the Father?

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me, and for rising from the dead. I praise you for you are the King of Glory. Amen.

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