What Jesus Did! 'You Were Right ... but Wrong' — Luke 22:63-71

Thursday, December 14, 2023

[After his arrest, the] guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, "Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?" And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.

At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council, and they said, "Tell us, are you the Messiah?"

But he replied, "If I tell you, you won't believe me. And if I ask you a question, you won't answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God's right hand."

They all shouted, "So, are you claiming to be the Son of God?

And he replied, "You say that I am."

"Why do we need other witnesses?" they said. "We ourselves heard him say it."

— Luke 22:63-71 NLT

Key Thought

The irony of these events is that Jesus' enemies are right in their accusation - he is the Messiah, the Son of God. They are also wrong - they won't believe in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, but instead, are intent on killing him. They are the vivid reminder that we can say the right things and yet refuse to believe them. We can say the right things but say them in ridicule and be guilty of sin. The battle we face is an issue of our hearts. Are we seeking God's will, or are we protecting our religious interests? Let's continually seek to have our hearts open for God's truth and God's will.

Today's Prayer

Father, as I seek your truth, help me seek you and your will first. I know that I cannot authentically live in obedience to your truth without seeking to honor you. Purify my heart and create a right spirit in me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:63-71 NLT — " they said. "

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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