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Matthew 26:59-61
As Jesus is brought to the high priest, Caiaphas, the Bible teaches us in Matthew 26:59 that the entire council had gathered for the trial of Jesus. They had a plan to put Jesus to death but had no reason, so they opened the court to anyone who would come forward with information that could be used against Jesus to find Him guilty of some crime worthy of the death penalty. After many people gave their false testimony against Jesus, and none being found worthy, two people came forward and proclaimed that Jesus said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days” (Matthew 26:61, NKJV).
After Jesus had driven out the money changers from the temple courtyard (John 2:13-17) The Jews asked Him for a sign. Jesus replied in John 2:19 (ESV), “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They thought Jesus was talking about the temple in the courtyard which took forty-six years to build (John 2:20), but Jesus was speaking about His own body (John 2:21).
This is an example of how hard-hearted man can be toward Jesus.
There was no wrongdoing to accuse Jesus of, but the Pharisees and chief priests were set on bringing Jesus to His death. They opened the court to anyone who might bring charges against Jesus, but not to anyone who might give an innocent plea for Jesus. This is the ways of man – the ways of the sinful nature – to not credit God for His Almighty work that He has done for us. This is the attitude that reflects a hardened heart to God that must be broken before we can rightly believe in Jesus as our Savior. Only God, through His Holy Spirit, can call us to a place in our hearts, minds, and strength to follow His prompting to leave the ways of the sinful nature and begin living a life that is reflective of His plan for our lives. If you hear and feel God’s Holy Spirit speaking to you today, listen, and follow His prompting to trust in Him, and He will set you free from the chains of the sinful nature.
Dear LORD,
The hardened hearts of the Pharisees and chief priests were to guarantee that Jesus would be brought to the cross alone to pay for the sins of the world. This allows a new way from the Old Testament Law, in Christ, to be found righteous in Your eyes. A way that is the only way to salvation and eternal forgiveness. A way that you provided for all who will believe in You. Jesus proclaimed in John 14:6 (NIV), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Please lead us all to Jesus and the salvation that only He provides unto eternal life and forgiveness. In Jesus name I pray, amen.