July 1 - Yes, It Is as You Say

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matthew 26:1 – 27:10
"Jesus' Meal, Betrayal, and Arrest"

Focus Verses: Matthew 26:63-66
63 ...Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." 64" Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.

Insight:
If Jesus did not believe himself to be the Christ, the Son of God, or had been misunderstood, or misrepresented, his trial before the high priest would have been the perfect time for him to set the record straight. Instead of backing away from the questions, Jesus said, "Yes, I am the Christ. And you will see me in my glory at the right hand of God the Father." It's clear that the high priest and the crowd understood Jesus' words to be a clear affirmation of his claims to deity and Messiahship because they considered them to be blasphemy.

Response and Action:
I believe Jesus' claim to be the Son of God. I accept his authority. I believe he has risen from the dead, he has ascended into heaven and is seated at the Father's right hand, where he lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit and the Father, one God now and forever. He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.

Thank you, O God, for Jesus, your Son who came to live among us, full of grace and truth. Help me to grow in my relationship with him. Help me to follow him wherever he leads. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 29
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
In Context: Psalm 29

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Recommended Reading:
The Incomparable Christ
by John R. W. Stott