Christian Reflection and Prayer

"Reaching Those Who Refuse to Listen"
By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion 2016

And they led Him away to their council, and they said, "If You
are the Christ, tell us." ... (Luke 22:66b-67a).

Read Luke 22:66-71.

When Jesus stands before the Jewish high court they ask if He
is the Christ. His answer sounds elusive, but He is laying bare
their dark hearts and forcing them to look at their motives. If He
utters the truth that He is God's Son, they will not believe. If He
asks what more He can do to prove He is the promised Messiah,
they will refuse to answer. They've already closed their minds
and aren't interested in searching for the truth.

So He points past the cross. After His suffering and death are
complete He will be enthroned at the right hand of God. That is
the kind of Christ He is: a saving Christ-a heavenly King, not an
earthly king. It is a powerful confession and testimony-and a dire
warning of their future. Today, they sit in judgment on Him, but on
the last day He will be their judge-and their eternal destiny will
rest in His hands.

Ignoring His warning they demand, "Are You the Son of God,
then?" (Luke 22:70b). Again, His answer might sound evasive to
us, but not to the Jewish leaders. He calls their own words as
witnesses against them; they are confessing the truth: He is
indeed the Christ, the Son of God. Without giving it another
thought, they pounce on His words and condemn Jesus to death.

He has done all He can at this time. He has made the great
confession. After His death and resurrection, Jesus will send
strong men of faith to once again share the story of His salvation
and offer them His complete and free forgiveness.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in love You persistently reached out to stubborn men
who hated You for no valid reason. Break through my stubbornness
and lead me to repentance and faith. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)