Many of the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ were the fulfilment of earlier prophecies. In our reading, at the trial of Jesus, three questions (Vs.63-71) were put across to Him—by His captors, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes (Vs.63 & 66). Jesus faced questions from His childhood and into the public ministry. Jesus often responded very differently than the questioner expected. Sometimes he asked questions to questioners, sometimes He spoke parables and allowed the people to understand the answer from it, sometimes He cried in His spirit knowing the wrong intentions, and sometimes He kept silent. But to His disciples, Jesus revealed the depths of the word of God and as a good teacher responded to the disciples’ questions and corrected them too. Today also He does the same through His Holy Spirit for His disciples.

Q.1:- The first question Jesus faced on His trial from the people /soldiers who were holding Him: “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”(V.64) as the fulfilment of the prophecy written – “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.” (Isaiah 50:6) Didn’t Jesus know who did it? –  He knew but chose to bear it and go through all the mockery and shame because He thought of you and me! “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent…” (Isaiah 53:7). Even in the face of unjust accusation and maltreatment, Jesus opened not His mouth! “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1Peter 2:23)

Q.2:- The second question He faced: “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe,….”(Vs.67-68). Christ was just standing before them but all of them were blinded. These scribes who knew the Law and the prophecies about the Messiah and were praying that God would send the Messiah; who witnessed His public ministry; heard Him preach and teach and heal were unable to recognize Him or accept Him! Neither were they willing to accept His lordship. It is no different today. John 1:11,12 says, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name…”

Q.3:- The third question was about His Sonship.  So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” (V.70). The answer was clear but still they weren’t able to believe or acknowledge Him – ‘then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.” ‘(V.71). Jesus confirms His testimony concerning Himself but whatever the response of Jesus they were predetermined in their minds to kill Him. It was an outright rejection from them. 1 John 5:10 says, “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.”

These people had a self-created expectation of how the Messiah should be. When it did not fit the picture in their minds, they were ready to do away with Him. Isn’t it the same today? People would rather have a god suited to fit their perception; others try to please God by the rituals, good deeds and other ways than that which is prescribed by Him. Hence they are still lost and wandering far from Him and His ways.

Would you acknowledge Christ Jesus for who He is?

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Thought- Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”-(John 14:6)