The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. ... Then they spit in his face and struck him. [Matthew 26:62-65, 67 ESV]
Court is in session and the religion of humankind is on trial.
Ironically the religious elders believed that they are the ones in power.
These think that they are the ones with the authority to pass judgment.
Such is the way that religion works - such is the seduction of earthly religion.
Such is the dark pride that takes captive the minds and intents of men.
These who are called by God to care for the souls of humankind only think of themselves.
This is the setting of the trial that takes place in the middle of the night.
As people are sleeping unrighteousness reigns and attempts to judge pure righteousnes.
This is the end of all who are seduced by carnal and earthly religion.
Jesus would have no part in this trial and he remains silent before this evil tribunal.
He breaks his silence only when the top judge asks him a direct question about his identity.
His answer is called blasphemy because he identifies himself as an equal to God himself.
Yet he does not stop there in his answer to his judges.
He speaks of a day when he will sit as judge over those who sit in judgment that very day.
These hypocrites respond the way of religious hypocrites who exalt themselves instead of God.
Help me not to judge with fleshly motives Lord. Fill my heart with grace.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Yes and amen, Bob. Teach me, Lord, not to judge.
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