Good morning! Have you ever been in a situation where you told the truth and no one believed you? Well today we are going to read about a similar situation in the Bible. Join me as we continue reading Matthew chapter 26.

Bible Verse  – Matthew 26:62-68
“⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

⁶⁴ Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand[i] and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[j]

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”

⁶⁷ Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, ⁶⁸ jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”

Reflection
This moment is so painful to read. Can you imagine being Jesus and your only crime was that you told the truth? Today, many people don’t tell the truth or speak out in truth because they are fearful of retaliation. Yet, we know the truth and the truth will set us free. We also know Satan is the author of lies and his ambition is to keep the world in darkness and chaos. In John chapter 8:44, Jesus describes Satan and those who follow him: “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

At this point in Matthew 26, Jesus’ friends have left him. Jesus is the only One speaking the truth. Brothers and sisters, what truth do you need to tell?

• Who are you following that keeps telling lies?

• What lies do you keep telling?

• Are those lies holding you back from being an effective witness for Christ?

• Are you ready to stop living a lie and live in the truth and freedom of Jesus Christ?

• Are you ready to turn those untruths over to the One who already knows the truth so that you can be set free?

Prayer
Father God, we give thanks to you for all that you have done for us. Lord, you didn’t deserve to be hit with fists or be spit on, but you sacrificed your life and comfort for us. Lord, our sins prove that we deserved to be hit and beaten, but you took our place. Lord, thank you for forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. Lord, there are no words that can express our gratitude for what you did for us. We desire to serve you with our whole heart. Help us to stand firm on your word and live according to your will and plan for our lives. Lord, release us from the lies and the fears that keep us entangled in lies. Lord, be our peace in the midst of trials and our refuge when we are called to persevere. Lord, fill us with your love and help us to love others as you love us.

Lord, lead us. Lord, change us and correct our thoughts. Direct our steps and actions as we seek to be more like you. Lord, we pray for those dealing with mental illness and struggling to stay mentally well. Lord, stabilize their thinking and remove their anxiety. Lord, help those who are in need of food and resources. Lord, provide for their every need. Lord, continue to heal those recovering from surgery. Lord, be with those waiting for surgery and give them favor with appointment dates and surgery. Lord, we pray for all the prayer requests that have come in and we ask that you answer those prayers.

In Jesus name, amen.

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