“Tell us, are you the Messiah?”

Jesus answers the question:

But he replied,

“If I tell you, you won’t believe me. And if I ask you a question,

You won’t answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated

In the place of power at God’s right hand.”

Luke 22:67-69

We all know what happened on Good Friday. Jesus was tried, convicted, and crucified. Undoubtably one of the most important days for Christians, and the whole world from that day forward.

It was second in importance only to Jesus Resurrection that would come shortly after on Easter morning.

Many people, even some who claim to be Christian, use this passage to deny that Jesus is the Divine Son of God. They say things like “Jesus never says He is God” even when He is asked.

But we must look at Jesus’ own words, in the correct context, to determine that He is in fact saying He is the Messiah.

What does Jesus’ answer really say?

On the morning of Good Friday Jesus, having been betrayed by Judas, was hauled before the Jewish religious leaders (Sanhedrin) to be questioned. They were looking for a way—any way—to condemn him. Jesus knew this.

Attempting to catch Jesus in outright heresy, punishable by death, they ask straightforward “are you the Messiah?”

Jesus’ answer may seem vague or unclear to us today, but it was crystal clear to His interrogators. He was claiming to be the Messiah, and they moved quickly to convict and crucify Him.

Jesus uses 2 phrases, familiar to the Jewish leaders, in His answer: “Son of Man” and “right hand of God”.

“Son of Man” is a messianic reference that appears in the Old Testament book of Daniel (7:13-14) which tells of the Son of Man coming from the clouds of heaven, “given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all nations”, “His rule is eternal”.

“God’s right hand” from Psalm 110:1, the place given “to my Lord” with all authority and honor over enemies.

These 2 statements, answers the Jewish leaders recognized immediately as Jesus’ claims as Messiah, were enough to convict Him.

We should recognize, accept, and rejoice in Jesus’ answer too!

As we solemnly reflect on the events of that “Good Friday” years ago we recognize the bitter suffering and sacrifice Jesus Christ endured for us. For our redemption and forgiveness.

He is our Lord and Savior, seated at the right hand of God. The ruler over all nations eternally.

He told us so!

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, seated at your right hand is my Messiah, Jesus Christ. He has redeemed me to you; he suffered and died so that I might live. Thank you for that awesome, undeserved gift. In His name I pray. Amen