Judica Tuesday 2020 – Devotion from Exile


Judica Tuesday 2020 – Devotion from Exile

Our text from the lectionary for this Tuesday of the week of Judica, the 5th week of Lent is from Mark’s Gospel. (Mark 14:53-72)

Mark 14:53-72


I don't know if you noticed it or not, but when people lie their testimonies do not agree. This is what happened when they brought forth witnesses against Jesus in the court of the high priest. They so badly wanted to find Jesus guilty so that they could get rid of him, that they brought forth witnesses who lied in order to find the favor of the court.

In the face of this false testimony, Jesus remained silent. His silence angered the high priest. "Have you no answer to make? What is this that men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent. So, again the high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

It is at this point that Jesus finally replies. He is God who cannot lie. He must tell the truth, and must give testimony to the salvific plan of God. This is the question that He must answer, for it will be the answer that takes Him to the cross. His answer, truthfully given, will be the excuse the Jews need to take Him before Pilate and have Him crucified. His answer is the truth of God given unto death to win forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation. This is the question that will find the Christ of God, as foretold throughout Scripture, condemned to death. The very son of God will find Himself convicted as a blasphemer against Himself and His Father.

We lie to save ourselves, to cover sins, to free ourselves from the consequences that our actions deserve – in an effort to protect ourselves. From what are we protecting ourselves when we lie? From God? He knows all things, even our thoughts, and especially that we are lying. He desires truth, He desires repentance, He desires us to trust in Him whom He has sent – His Christ.

Here lies the greatest problem that we all have. We have a problem with Jesus as the Christ. On the cross, the Jews will demand that he proves himself to be the Christ by coming down from the cross. But it is in the cross that he is the Christ, the anointed, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Yes, it is the high priest's manipulations, falsehoods, and lies against God's Christ that the will and work of God is accomplished – where your forgiveness and salvation are paid in full.

What a joy it is to be freed for truthfulness, to be able to declare, God be merciful to me a sinner. And He is! His forgiveness was purchased upon the cross, and Christ declares and delivers it in Word and meal.

What hope, comfort, and peace this should give us. No matter what the world may throw at us, God's will shall be accomplished, salvation will be delivered, and eternal life granted to those who trust in Christ.

Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus our lord. Amen.

Let us Pray:  Lord God heavenly Father grant us a firm faith that trusts in Christ alone for our salvation, move us to confess in true repentance our sins, and truly to believe that in Christ we have forgiveness and life, in this mortal coil and unto eternity. Amen.

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