April 15, 2010
How far will you go for Jesus?
Matthew 26:57-68
Paul Ritter
Central Truth
We need to be prepared to give a defense for Jesus.
Key Verse | Matthew 26:58
But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. (Matthew 26:58)
Matthew 26:57-68
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
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 1 26:59 Greek Sanhedrin 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.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 2 26:62 Or Have you no answer to what these men testify against you? 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Dive Deeper | Matthew 26:57-68
What a scene! Caiaphas, teachers, elders, Jesus, the Sanhedrin, false witnesses, guards, and dozens of others who wanted to see what was going to happen next. This was not a proper Jewish trial. It was a sham, a kangaroo court: no due process, no cross examination, and no defense attorney.
But wait. Peter is there sitting with the guards. This is the Peter who in verse 35 declared, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." This is the Peter who in verse 51 pulled a sword and cut off a man's ear to defend Jesus. Surely Peter will come to the rescue!
Many false witnesses gave their testimony, but no one spoke up for Jesus. Come on, Peter! This is your chance, your big moment. Unfortunately, Peter didn't speak up.
This same Peter went on to help found the early Church, write part of the Bible, and die proclaiming the Christ that he knew to be our Savior. In 1 Peter 3:15b (NIV) he wrote, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Several years ago, I was convicted that I should live my daily life as the Bible says. How I think and speak at work should be no different than how I am at home or church. As I became more comfortable sharing my faith, I found other believers at work, and we started praying together and had a Bible study. As time went on, my employer (a large private company) confronted me and tried to make me stop sharing and living as Christ would have me live. Eventually, I was fired without cause after a 23-year career. While the next several years were a challenge, God has now blessed me with a new career. This challenge has also better prepared me to work in Careers-in-Motion, the Watermark jobs ministry. Check out Romans 8:28. God is good!
I am no Peter, but we can all do our part. Will you speak up for Him?
Discussion Questions
1. Of all the people in this scene, who do you most identify with? Why?
2. Are you prepared to be as bold as the Peter who went on to help lead the early Church?
3. What keeps us from speaking up?
4. There are people in your life who need to hear about Jesus. Who are they, and will you speak up?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In verse 63, what did the high priest ask Jesus? What was Jesus’ answer? Did Jesus tell the truth?
2. Do you always tell the truth even when you know it might bring hard consequences?