Jesus had been arrested and was being interrogated by the High Priest, the highest appointed religious leader of the Jews. Clearly, this official didn't want to accept what he'd been hearing about Jesus.
Some of the people were making what he considered to be outlandish claims about the man. Naturally, he wanted to know if Jesus would dare make the same claims for himself. So he asked Jesus point-blank: "Are you the Messiah? Are you the Son of God?"
Even today people will say things like, "Jesus was just another man -- just like you and me. Yeah, he was a good man and a wise man. But that's all. He never really claimed to be the Son of God. He never made himself out to be 'the Chosen One' or 'the world's Savior.'"
Well, those who believe that might want to take a second look. The gospel writer, Mark, records what happened when Jesus was confronted directly with these claims by the High Priest.
He demanded to know. Were these things he was hearing just the misguided assertions of others? Or did Jesus himself make these claims?
Not only did Jesus clearly answer the High Priest's direct question. He also promised him, "The next time you see me, there will be absolutely no doubt in your mind who or what I am!"
"Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?'
'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven'" (Mark 14:61b-62, NIV).
Our Bible reading for Monday, March 9, is Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27, Mark 14:43-72 and Proverbs 6:30-35.
Lord, some are reluctant to recognize who you are right now. But I know that when you return, every knee will bow before you. I am sorry for the all too frequent times when I fail to recognize you as the Son of God by taking my sins too lightly. Help me not to treat your grace as cheap. Thank you for being my Savior. I eagerly await your glorious return and my release from sin and the pain of this fallen world.
Header image based on "Interrogation" by Kapoutsis, CC By 2.0