The fake news that was real
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You say that I am’ (Luke 22:70).
Read Luke 22:63–71
Fake news wasn’t really a thing back in Jesus’ day. But when Jesus responded to a question about whether he was the Messiah, Jesus claimed he would not be believed if he answered correctly. He then went on to give the correct answer. Those questioning him didn’t care whether Jesus really was the Messiah or not – they just wanted to hear him say the words so that they could go ahead with the plan to kill him.
When they asked whether he was the Son of God, Jesus again answered in the affirmative. Both of these responses amounted to blasphemy at that time and were punishable by death. This was the journey that Jesus came for.
Where does that leave me? As I pondered this question, the words of a well-known hymn came to my mind: ‘And can it be that I should gain.’ The verses of the hymn chart Jesus’ journey from when he left God’s throne in heaven to come to die for us. As you sing the hymn, the triumph of Jesus’ grace, mercy and amazing love rings out. The final verse references Romans 8: ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … for what the law was powerless to do … God did by sending his own Son.’
The affirmation in the hymn verse goes like this:
No condemnation now I dread
Jesus, and all in him, is mine.
Alive in him, my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine.
Bold I approach the eternal throne
And claim the crown, through Christ my own
Amazing love! How can it be
That thou my God, should die for me?
That is not fake news! That’s the Easter truth of God’s amazing love for me and you.
Saving God, thank you for your amazing love. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our Saviour, and that because of Jesus’ death, all we have to do is believe, and we will be clothed in righteousness. Amen.
Colleen has a husband, two daughters, three granddaughters and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves the way the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
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