The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’ ” Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mat 26:59-64 NIV)
Many Christians bluster at this passage because it clearly relates a farce and abuse of Jewish law, but that is immaterial to the issues involved. On the other hand, this passage gives clear evidence that Christ submitted willingly to the abuse in order to achieve the Father’s will and purpose.
He remained silent to give the Sanhedrin a free hand and only spoke when the name of God was invoked against him. Then with his truthful reply, he gave them “evidence” against himself. They considered his answer to be heretical and false, thereby justifying “that they could put him to death.”
As we read the Gospel record, it is clear that Jesus of Nazareth did not die as a victim of satan or a miscarriage of justice. Instead, he died because he voluntarily submitted to the Father’s will and purpose. He died to set helpless humanity free.
While men and women continued down the road of indifference God moved in their behalf. While they continued to wander through the void of empty lives, the pivotal point of their history took place. God intervened for them with his redemption plan. God loved them so much that he delivered up his son to redeem them from the slavery in which they were trapped.
Dear Father, thank you for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Empower us to voluntarily share his grace and truth with our world. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today as a volunteer witness for Christ,