Holy Week: Betrayal, Arrest, & Condemnation - Disciple Maker Series #25Sample

Jesus' Confession Before His Enemies  

Thoughts on the message

Jesus faced six trials that morning. Three before Jewish courts, two before Pilate the Roman ruler and one before Herod (the Roman ruler of Galilee who was there in Jerusalem that day). This is the first trial – before Caiaphus the high priest. The only way they could get a conviction was by making Jesus declare Himself as the Son of God – the other testimonies were useless. Many legal rules were broken (both Biblical rules as well as governing rules) so that Jesus would die that day. 

Jesus said two things in response to their question. First, under oath Jesus said He was the Son of God. Second, He declares that they will see Him again – sitting at the right hand of God and then coming again. In this, Jesus is saying two things. They will see God Himself approve Jesus and they will see Jesus come as Judge. In other words, this world’s definition of justice is not the final word – God will have the final say.

Prayer

Father, Your children face such incredible injustice – as do many people around the world. Jesus, under oath, declared that Your justice is coming and that He will be the One who gives it. That gives me such peace as we face difficult situations. My prayer is that I will wait for it like Jesus did that day. He would not let the injustice affecting Him cause Him to lose hope in His Father. I want to be the same as Jesus. I pray the same for all people who suffer unjustly. Their present situation is not the final verdict. So give us patience and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.