Luke 22, Part 5

Scripture: Luke 22:54-71

Observation: Jesus is taken away, and Peter follows at a distance. As Jesus prophesied, Peter denies Him three times. When Peter realizes what he has done, he goes away and weeps bitterly. Jesus, now alone, is mocked and ridiculed by His accusers. They taunt Him and beat Him, telling Him to name His tormentors. What began as indifference towards Jesus has become anger, hatred, and hostility. Jesus is then brought before the Sanhedrin, a council made up of 71 leaders in the Jewish community, Sadducees, Pharisees, scribes and elders. They question Him directly, whether He is the Christ. He tells them no matter what He answers they will not believe; then He says the words that produce their guilty verdict: "But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." (v.69). He identified Himself with the Son of Man of Daniel 7, and basically told them whatever happened from that moment on was irrelevant, because He would be taking His place in heaven, judging them. Again they ask, "Are You then the Son of God?" (v.70) to which Jesus replies, "You say that I am." Based on this, Jesus is found guilty, because he proclaimed who He is.

Application: Peter learned a bitter truth that day. It's easy to be faithful to Jesus in a room full of believers, but it's a whole different story when everyone is against you. Peter did exactly what he said he wouldn't do, and was pained to the heart for it. Yet Jesus knew this and much more would happen. His trial was a mockery of justice; He was condemned for speaking truth. Still, He went on to die for all these that would kill Him, and for Peter, too.

Prayer: Lord, my faithfulness to You comes from Your strength, not mine. My desire to serve You is strong, but many times my will is weak. You've done so much for me, I can't be ashamed of You. Give me courage to stand up for You and for truth, no matter how unpopular it makes me. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.