By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Loyal?
Matthew 26:63–75
Affirmed by Scripture (63–64)
Once Jesus was arrested, the Sanhedrin had to have a reason for His arrest but they had no good cause. So they found people who falsely accused Jesus and said He claimed He would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. This was not an accurate claim, as Jesus actually said, “destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days” in John 2:19, indicating He would be killed and be raised in three days.
Jesus refused to answer these false accusations but when the chief priest asked Him if He was the Son of God, He answered affirmatively and added that they would see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. This was surely a claim the Sanhedrin was glad to hear, because this was clearly blasphemy in their eyes.
The notion of the Son of Man comes from Daniel 7:13; it was a title associated with the Messiah. Further, the notion of the Son sitting at the right hand of the Lord comes from Psalm 110, another Messianic reference. Jesus was clearly identifying Himself not only as the Messiah but also as God. This is why the high priest declared Jesus was guilty of blasphemy, because they knew He claimed to be God but they didn’t believe it. The punishment for blasphemy according to Jewish law was death. Now all they needed was to get the Romans to carry out their sentence.
Denied by His Opponents (65–68)
Now Jesus was mocked by those around Him. The Jews did not believe Jesus was the Messiah because He did not fit their expectations of what the Messiah would be like. Most of the Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel to glory as in the days of David. They certainly did not expect someone who would ignore the minute laws of the Pharisees and undermine their scriptural views. What the Jews failed to realize was that the Messiah would have to suffer and die for the people. The rescue the Messiah would bring was a spiritual victory, a forgiveness of sins. This is seen in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 for example.
But this risen Messiah will return again to judge the nations. We can take solace in the fact that Christ is going to return and bring an eternal peace for His people. This gives us a confidence in facing trials and it gives us a motivation to tell others about Christ so they can experience the forgiveness of sins and an eternal hope.
Abandoned by His Friends (69–75)
Just as Christ predicted, Peter denied Him. This was a tragic time in the life of Peter. To betray your best friend and Lord is a horrible experience but it is one we do every time we sin. Jesus restored Peter and used him in mighty ways to establish the Christian Church.
In the same way, whenever we disobey God and do our own thing, God forgives us when we repent. Some Christians have difficulty thinking God can forgive them or can use them when they have sinned in serious ways but if God can use Peter certainly He can use us too. The next time you sin, repent and be quick to ask for forgiveness. Embrace God’s grace and move forward in victory.
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