Kangaroo Court
Jesus was brought before the high priest and quickly pronounced guilty. The Day of Atonement for sin planned before creation had come; the scapegoat had to be named. He was arrested in the garden and
hurried into Jerusalem. The high priest had to declare sin on the victim’s head before he was led away to be crucified. Here are three observations of Matthew 26:57-75 to learn from. First, notice the lengths people will go to accomplish sinful plans—“Though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward.” (v. 60) The conspiracy was well planned: the Sanhedrin was already “assembled” at Caiaphas’ house, sometime between midnight and the first rooster’s crowing. Second, notice that Jesus spoke the truth regardless the cost—“Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’” (v. 64) The question under oath: Are You the Christ, the Son of God? The answer under oath: Yes. Then, Jesus added the imagery of the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah’s physical appearing. Jesus confessed who He was, an example and encouragement to all His followers to give witness of Him regardless the consequence. Third, notice the unbeliever’s reaction to the truth—“They spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands.” (v. 67) Never be surprised if you have to endure mockery and ridicule and false accusations because you belong to Christ. Listen! The disciple is not greater than His Master; and neither is the servant greater than His Lord. (John 15:18-20) Those who resist His salvation and ignore their sin will attempt to discredit and destroy Jesus and all who put their trust in Him. We need to be always ready to confess the Lord before a sinful world.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.