February 23rd Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THE JEWISH LEADERS DID NOT BELIEVE     

Matthew 26:62-68 “Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against You?” But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to Him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in His face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped Him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit You?” 

In courts of law, the jury nor the judge always come down with the correct verdict. They weigh the evidence they receive and render their verdict. Such was the case with Jesus in today’s devotional verses. Caiphas and the Jewish rulers heard the testimony of two men who did not understand Jesus’ words about tearing down the temple or they purposely twisted His words. Either way, their testimony was inflammatory. The temple was sacred to the Jewish people.   

Now, Jesus tells the truth about who He is. Of course the words of todays verses tell you that the Jewish leaders did not believe Jesus was the Messiah. They rejected the message God sent Him to proclaim.  

Still today there are many who hear or read the Gospel proclaim that Jesus is the one God sent into the world to save sinners from hell. Some believe! Many reject what the Gospel says. The truth remains, “whoever believes (in Him) and is baptized will receive everlasting life.” (see John 3:16-17) 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bless all who hear and/or read the gospel that they would believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior of us all. In His holy name. Amen. 

Seek where you may to find a way  
That leads to your salvation.  
My heart is stilled,
On Christ I build,  
He is the one foundation.   
His Word is sure,
His works endure;   
He overthrows
All evil foes;  
Through Him I more than conquer.  

Seek whom you may
to be your stay,  
None can redeem his brother.  
All helpers failed;
This man prevailed,  
The God-man and none other.  
Our Servant-King Of whom we sing.  
We’re justified
Because He died,  
The guilty being guiltless. 

Seek Him alone
Who did atone,  
Who did your souls deliver.  
O seek Him first,
All you who thirst  
For grace that fails you never.  
In ev’ry need
Seek Him indeed;  
To ev’ry heart
He will impart  
His blessings without measure. 

My heart’s delight,
My crown most bright,  
O Christ, my joy forever.  
Not wealth nor pride
Nor fortune’s tide  
Our bonds of love shall sever.  
You are my Lord;
Your precious Word  
Shall guide my way
And help me stay  
Forever in Your presence.  

Seek Where You May to Find a Way // LSB 557