Notes to the Lord:On Fair Hearings

Matthew 26
59The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.60But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "

Lord Jesus--There were those who were listening to your teaching and twisting it...people can take anything that is said and twist it on it head. That is just a part of the deal.

You continue to speak to your people, work in our hearts and minds in a way that transcends logic and understanding. Work in power in this day. Use your word to make a difference in spite of those who stand and the side lines and twist. You knew what it was like to be attacked with your own words.

62Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63But Jesus remained silent.

You didn't even have to respond to the lies. Their words stand in judgment against those who spoke them. Lord Jesus--In this day help me to speak words of grace given by you to those that surround me or help me keep my mouth shut.

The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." 64"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Lord Jesus--These were words of prophecy you spoke to your accusers. These have not come to pass yet. Your return will be in power and glory and majestic wonder. There will be no questioning and no chance to interrogate you again. There will only be time for worship. These men did not hear the power in these words...they only heard an accusation to raise against you.

65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. 67Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

I wonder if, in the coming years if those who struck you regretted it? Did they come to a new place in their view of you? Did they come to suspect anything when the tomb was empty? I wonder if they ever came to understand the injustice they showed the Lord of Creation. I hope so.

Lord Jesus--Help me to understand and work through the implications of the simple fact: that it was not fair for you...it will not be fair for me. Yet, in the experiencing of that unfair hearing there is opportunity for God to work in power. Work Holy Spirit.