SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:60-65
When Jesus finally answers their question, He refers to a prophecy from Daniel.
“In my vision I saw One who looked like a son of man. He was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Eternal God. He was led right up to him. And he was given authority, glory and a kingdom. People from every nation and language worshiped him. His authority will last forever. It will not pass away. His kingdom will never be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
The title that Jesus normally used for Himself was “son of man”, and according to this prophecy He is God’s appointed Ruler over all creation, crowned with all authority next to God (at His right hand).
One day He will come from heaven with God’s authority and judge the nations.
In other words, He answers YES to the high priests questions whether He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One.
They did not believe it; instead they tormented and tortured Him for His claim.
How about you, how about me… do we believe what Jesus claims for Himself?
Is He God’s chosen Messiah (Ruler/Rescuer of Creation), will He come one day with God’s angels to Judge the nations, and us?
Everyone will have to make a decision at some point – Yes He is, or No He is not.
Think carefully, because a lot is riding on your response.
But the day is coming when everyone will know the truth, when everyone will happily or reluctantly see that He is Who He says He is.
“He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death. In fact, he died on a cross. So God lifted him up to the highest place. He gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone’s knee will bow to worship him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship him. Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory. (Philippians 2:8-11)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are the kind of Leader (Ruler/Rescuer) we desperately need. If I am to be Judged, You are the One I want to Judge me. With my heart and mouth I happily declare that You are Lord!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
I wonder what it must have been like to be a religious leader at that time (not that I know what it is like today). Their reputations were on the line. Going against the majority would presumably have meant being ostracized. I wonder how many of the leaders believed Jesus but just went along with the crowd. Why is it so easy for me to believe today? And so hard for those that actually saw Jesus? And why Is it so easy to believe but sometimes hard to talk about? Lord, I pray that you continue to open my eyes and heart to you!
Observation/Application
I am reminded of the words – they have eyes but do not see. Ears and do not hear. The people were expecting the Messiah, and the religious leaders above all else should have been in touch and have known, But . . .
Then my mind jumps to Thomas who exclaims ‘My Lord and my God.’ He believed because he saw. The religious leaders of the day saw but did not see. Blessed is he who believes without seeing – like you and me.
He was not worthy of death but took it upon Himself so I could live. I need to be like Thomas and exclaim ‘My Lord and my God!.’ And others must be able to see that exclamation in my daily living for Jesus.
May my prayer be as the hymn states, Come Thou Long-Expectant Jesus. Set me free.
Prayer
Open my eyes Lord each day anew so that I may see You. As an instrument of Your peace may others see You in me as I am a living letter proclaiming that Jesus is alive! because He followed His Father’s directives bearing my sins to the cross and because of that I’m alive in him.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.