Matthew 26:57-68
57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Reflection
At Jesus’ trial with the Jewish authorities, the high priest pointedly asks him whether or not he is “the Christ, the Son of God” (Matt. 26:63). Jesus, who has been somewhat elusive (21:23–27) or even silent (26:63) about his true identity, now openly claims that he is the anticipated “Son of Man” (v. 64; cf. Dan. 7:13–14). One day his accusers will see that this seemingly trapped and helpless prisoner is, in fact, heaven’s divine King.
With these words, Jesus virtually seals his execution. The Jewish court is outraged by his claim, sentences him to death (v. 66), and begins to violently abuse and mock him (vv. 67–68). Though it seems as though hope is fading, the mission of God to save sinners is moving ahead as the Lamb of God is now led to slaughter (Isa. 53:7).
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Reflection
Jesus told us that the Christian life requires hard work (Matt. 7:14). Paul’s athletic images in 1 Corinthians 9:24–26 remind us once again that we cannot coast; discipleship requires a sustained, intense effort. We must remember, however, that Christ is the One who strengthens us for the battle. The grace we have already received gives us power and motivates us to complete our race. Someday soon Christ’s people will reach the final victory and join Jesus in the fullness of the resurrection he has purchased for us (v. 25; cf. 15:50–57)!
Psalm 39:7
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
Sometimes it is hard to see what God is doing, but we can trust that he is always in perfect control of our lives and accomplishing his purposes (cf. Matt. 26:57–68). Share your concerns with him and ask him to give you faith as you face the uncertainties in your life.