Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."
SNIPPETS OF HOLY WEEK: JESUS' WITNESS
Although silent in His defense, when it comes time to give witness concerning the very core of His life and work, Jesus does not remain silent. But seamlessly intertwines Law and Gospel, to give hope and warning to anyone who would listen.
"It is as you said" -- He admits that He is the Christ, the Messiah, if they will but listen, all their hopes and dreams -- what they have been waiting for for so long stands before them, about to fulfill all prophecy and bring redemption to Israel.
"coming on the clouds of heaven" -- If you will not listen, if you harden your hearts and turn from this promised redemption of the Messiah, you will once again stand before me -- this time seeing my full power as you are called to give an account of yourselves.
How foolish are those who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Equally foolish are those who claim that since Christ loves all, therefore He will condemn no one. Condemnation and salvation, Law and Gospel, Judge and Savior, you cannot accept one without the other. Christ is both and if you refuse to accept Him as Savior He will come again as your Judge.
Until that day, the Lord who issued a spiritual "wake-up call" even to men seeking to kill Him, graciously invites sinners everywhere to turn to Him and receive forgiveness of sin, life for death, and salvation rather than condemnation.
O patient love of Jesus, Which drives away our doubt,
Which, though we be unworthy Of love so great and free,
Invites us very sinners To come, dear Lord, to Thee!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 276:4)
