QT 5/9/2022 Matt 26:55-62, You must be born again

Matthew 26:55–62 (ESV) — 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. 57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ ”

 

NOTE: There are many things "wrong" with this passage. Fruchtenbaum counts over 20 infractions of the procedures or rules that were used by the Sanhedrin -- a trial by night, in a private home, false witnesses, and many more actions. The Jews were clearly at fault in this action because they had no real evidence of a crime. The Romans had the real authority for capital punishment, and while Pilate found him innocent, Pilate gives the order to crucify him in order to avoid a riot. The conclusion is abundantly clear, Jew and Gentile crucified the savior -- it really could be no other way. The world was Jew or Gentile, and together they kill their savior. Ironically, Jesus' death offers them salvation from sin and the hope of eternal life. God uses man's evil to bring about salvation for the world. But, Jesus's death and resurrection does not save mankind alone, each of us must choose to believe and receive. You cannot be born into the faith, another cannot believe for you, nor can you be forced (John 1:12-13). Salvation requires a willing heart that repents of their sin, and believes that Jesus' death and resurrection frees them from the slavery to sin -- this is what "new birth" means.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I experienced the new birth or am I trusting in my good works (I'm better than others) for my salvation at the end of life? Good works CANNOT save.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you than I have experienced a new birth. Thank you that is was "noticeable" and a point in time. Thank you that I have seen so many clear signs of your work in my life, that I can have confidence that I have been saved. And my salvation is entirely based on Jesus' death on the cross. I look forward to my resurrection from the dead and my new eternal body.