Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 23:1-4.
TEXT: Then the whole company of them arose and
brought Him before Pilate
(Luke 23:1).

The Jewish high court and temple police arise as a
large company and lead Jesus to Pilate. As they
bring their charges against Him, they won't even call
Him by name, saying instead, "this fellow." They
level three charges against Jesus. First, they accuse
Him of stirring up the nation against Rome. Next, they
charge Him with hindering the payment of taxes to
Caesar. Finally, they accuse Him of declaring Himself
to be the Christ-a king and a definite threat to Caesar.

Pilate directly asks Jesus, "Are You the king of the
Jews?"

Jesus answers the same way He answered the Jewish
high court previously. "You have said so." In Luke's
Greek Jesus is really saying, "Yes, what you have said
is true. I am King of the Jews."

In Pilate's mind there was no doubt, Jesus definitely
was claiming to be the king of the Jews. And yet Pilate
recognized this Christ-king was no threat to Caesar.
After this questioning Pilate went back out to the Jewish
leaders and made his verdict known, "I find no guilt in
this man." At this point the trial should be over. Pilate
should order the Jewish crowd to disperse and free Jesus,
with an armed escort, if necessary.

But upmost in Pilate's mind is maintaining peace and
order during this festival, when so many Jews from across
the Empire have streamed into Jerusalem. He could
certainly use his troops to disperse the Jewish leaders
and free Jesus, but he prefers a more peaceful resolution.
He seeks consent for his ruling from the Jewish high
court-his first fatal flaw of the day.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Pilate was convinced of Your innocence, yet
He opened the door to injustice, when he should have set
You free. Thank You for being willing to suffer and die for me.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 22:63-71.
TEXT: When day came, the assembly of the elders
of the people gathered together, both chief priests
and scribes (see Luke 22:66).

While Peter is outside denying Jesus, the men
holding Jesus in custody are mocking and beating
Him. They blindfold Him, slap His face, and demand
Him to tell them who had struck Him. Through all the
abuse Jesus remains silent.

When day comes they lead Him before the Jewish
high court. Then they challenge Him: "If You are the
Christ, tell us."

Jesus knows they aren't interested in the truth; they
only want a charge to level against Him. Pointing out
their stubborn indifference He says, "If I tell you, you
will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer."
Then He answers their question with power and
majesty, "From now on the Son of Man shall be
seated at the right hand of the power of God."

Indeed, He is the Messiah, but He is not the earthly
king they expect. He is the exalted Messiah of the
Scriptures-the Son of God and Son of Man, who rules
in power and glory from the Father's right hand in
heaven. He is the God who will be their Judge on the
Last Day.

To be clear, the court demands, "Are You the Son of
God?" Jesus answers, "You say that I am." His
answer sounds evasive in our English, but not in Luke's
Greek. Jesus affirms the words they have just spoken
are true: He is the Son of God. The Jewish high court
condemns Jesus for claiming to be God's Son. But
time is running short. Soon the city will be awake, and
the dreaded crowds will return. They need Jesus on the
cross before that happens. So they rush Him off to the
Roman governor.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, despite their doubts and
hostility, You fearlessly revealed the truth to the Jewish
leaders. Give me faith to believe You are God's Son,
ruling at His right hand. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 22:54-62.
TEXT: Then they seized Him and led Him away ...
and Peter was following at a distance (see Luke 22:54).

When Jesus is arrested the disciples scatter in fear
and go into hiding-all, that is, except for Peter. He
follows at a distance then slips into the courtyard,
posing as one of the temple police. Though it seems
bold and courageous, Jesus does not want him there.
He wants him safe with the other disciples. There is no
reason for Peter to put himself in jeopardy. Jesus has
already spelled out exactly what will happen.

In the cold night air the guards light a fire and Peter sits
down to warm himself. But the firelight betrays him.
Carefully studying his face, a maid points him out to the
other guards: "This man also was with Him." Realizing
the grave danger, Peter quickly answers, "Woman, I
do not know Him."

A short time later someone else recognizes him and
says, "You also are one of them."
Peter answers, "Man, I am not." Luke's narrative is kind
to Peter; he only mentions the denials, not the oaths
and curses he calls down on himself.

An hour later still another challenges him, "Certainly, this
man also was with Him, for he too is a Galilean."

Peter snaps back, "Man, I do not know what you are
talking about." And immediately he hears a rooster
crowing and turns and looks straight into Jesus' face-even
as the words of his third denial are pouring from his lips.

Remembering Jesus' prediction, Peter goes out and
weeps bitterly. In its own way Peter's denial was as painful
for Jesus as was Judas' betrayal. For Peter the guilt and
shame must have been dreadful.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You looked in love on Peter in the midst of his
sin. Look on me in my sins and turn me to sorrow and regret,
so I may run to You for forgiveness and peace. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)