Jesus was taken before the religious leaders who wanted to find a reason to sentence him to death. The Sanhedrin was an exclusive body of Jewish leaders. They solicited evidence to convict Jesus, but it was proven to be false. The statements did not agree. Jesus had remained silent throughout. He did not answer to their false statements about him. Finally, the high priest asked him directly, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Here Jesus confessed freely, "I am." Jesus is the Son of Man. He is eternal. He sits at the right hand of God himself. The man Jesus, who made himself subject to them-to being arrested and tried at their hands-is the Son of Man in eternity. He is the Messiah. Immediately the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus. They mocked and abused him. They could never accept that this Jesus was their Messiah.

Meanwhile Peter had followed Jesus to the courtyard below. (53) While Jesus was testifying his truth to the Sanhedrin, Peter was denying even knowing Jesus to a servant girl. He wanted to die for Jesus, but he instead warmed himself by the fire and protected his own life. Jesus had predicted Peter's denial. Then Peter heard the rooster crow. His eyes were opened to see how Jesus was the Messiah for him. He broke down and wept. These tears would be the start of his new life in Christ.


Application: Lord, Jesus who died is the Messiah. Help me to see and testify to his glory.
One Word: Jesus is the Messiah