Lent: Day 32

The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him. Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and told him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?” They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council. The chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. Many gave false testimony against him, and their statements didn’t agree. Some stood up, and said, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Even so, their testimony did not agree.

The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to what they say against you?” But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. 

They said to him, “If you are the Christ, tell us.”

He said to them, “If I tell you, you won’t believe, and if I ask, you won’t answer me or let me go. Soon the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

They all said, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He said to them, “You say it, because I am.”

They said, “Why do we need any more witnesses? We have heard this blasphemy from his own mouth!”

 Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.”

The high priest tore his clothes, and said, “What further need is there for witnesses? You’ve heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” They all said he was worthy of death. Some began to spit on him, and cover his face, and beat him with fists, and say, “Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.

Reflection

 

Perjured testimony is rarely convincing because it is so often inconsistent and contradictory. Ultimately Jesus was convicted by his own words. Claiming to be the Son of God demanded a response: they could either bow down and acknowledge him as their true king or condemn him for blasphemy. The religious leaders chose the latter. How do you respond to Jesus? Do you acknowledge him as Lord and live accordingly? 

Prayer: Help me see you as you are, Lord, and respond to you with integrity.