Day 40 – Hope Lies Ahead

Matthew 26:57-68 (ESV)
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. ⁵⁹ Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ “And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”
But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him,  saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Can you imagine?  Jesus Christ, Lord of the Universe. Creator and Lord – and they spit in his face, struck Him, and slapped him.  All the while jeering him.  “Who struck you that time and this time? Prophesy to us now!”  It would be hard to imagine, but this type of behavior happens every day around the world, as people abuse others in this fashion.  It breaks my heart that we as humans can behave so wickedly.  It is almost too much to bear.  But hope lies ahead!

Rev. Andy Bales

President/CEO of Union Rescue Mission