The eternal question

When it was daylight, the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law met together, and Jesus was brought before the Council. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘are you the Messiah?’ He answered, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe me; and if I ask you a question, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right-hand side of Almighty God.’  (verses 66-69)

Read Luke 22: 63-71

The chief priests and the teachers of the Law wanted to know. The people of Israel wanted to know. Pilate wanted to know. Who was this man from Galilee? Some wanted to know because they wanted freedom from the Roman rulers. Others wanted to know because they were in dire straits. Still others wanted to know because they were afraid. Many people with many different hopes, desires and fears. They wanted to know who Jesus was.

And as was so often the case, Jesus answered a question with a question: ‘Who do you say I am?’ He had spoken, he had healed, he had performed many wonders, and now the time came: ‘Who do you say that I am?’

Every single person will be asked that question. Today God is asking you this question, ‘Who do you say that Jesus is?’

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being my friend, my saviour, my God. Amen.

by Greg Graham, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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