SOAP >> Matthew 26:59-68

S.         Matthew 26:59-68  59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. 67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

O.        The leaders of the Jews were seeking false witnesses to convict Jesus, his trial was illegal and of a political nature. Jesus calls himself “the son of man” and declares his rightful place at the right hand of God. This statement calls into question the authority of his judges and provokes them to anger. Physical punishment of a person was not to be carried out until convicted. These acts of smiting, spitting and pushing him around were completely out of the legal realm. The mockery of asking “who smote thee” is evidence of just how personally these leaders were threatened by the life and ministry of Jesus.

A.         This scripture speaks to me as to how far people will go to justify their way of life. Do I “seek” for the words and ideas that make me “justified”? Am I convinced that I have all the answers and am I willing to “condemn to death” the son of man? I don’t think so. I must not return to the sin that I have been set free from. I must forever walk away from that part of my life... if I turn back… I am not fit.

P.          Father; I seek your presence in my life to keep me on the path of righteousness. I abandon all sin and embrace your gift, Jesus. I ask that you be my strength, my hope and my joy. Amen.