Luke 22:66-71
When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Grace Prayed For
Humble Acceptance: To fully embrace our identity as children of God, recognizing our dependence on Him and His divine purpose for our lives.
The Power of Claiming Our Identity
This passage from Luke’s Gospel captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life. Standing before the religious authorities, Jesus is interrogated about his identity. The high priests and scribes, filled with skepticism and disdain, demand a declaration from Jesus: “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”
Jesus’ response is not one of evasion, but of profound truth. He knows that his words will fall on deaf ears. The hearts of those who question him are hardened, unwilling to accept the truth even if it stands before them. Yet, Jesus does not shy away from his identity. He boldly declares, “You say that I am.”
This moment speaks volumes about the power of claiming our true selves, even in the face of adversity. Jesus, fully aware of the consequences of his words, embraces his identity as the Son of God. His declaration is not one of arrogance, but of humble acceptance of his divine purpose.
In our own lives, we are often faced with questions about who we are. We may encounter skepticism, doubt, or outright rejection. But like Jesus, we are called to embrace our true selves, to live in alignment with our deepest values and beliefs. This may not always be easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.
Jesus’ words before the Sanhedrin remind us that our identity is not determined by the opinions of others, but by the truth that resides within us. We are all children of God, created in his image and likeness. We are called to live lives of love, compassion, and service to others.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do I respond when my identity is questioned or challenged?
- What are the core values and beliefs that define who I am?
- How can I live in alignment with my true self, even in the face of adversity?
- What steps can I take to deepen my understanding of my identity as a child of God?
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Modeling Courage and Truth: Jesus’s unwavering courage in the face of opposition inspires us to live out our faith with conviction and authenticity. As we strive to emulate His example, our intimacy with Him grows.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post