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. Matthew 26:65-66

PARENTAL ALERT - THIS DEVOTION MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR THE YOUNG.

This is a devotion in which I implore you not to shoot the messenger. That's what I am here: a messenger.

At the age of 77, Italy's Beppe Bigazzi had made a name for himself in the world of that country's cuisine. His opinion was respected; his advice was sought after, and his televised cooking show was quite popular.

All this ended a few weeks ago.

It ended when Bigazzi said he had eaten "cat stew" many times. It ended when he gave his listening audience the recipe on how to prepare the "delicacy."

And the reaction? His female co-host hid herself; the country's Health Ministry said, "Cats are protected by law from cruelty, maltreatment, and abandonment." The TV channel's director had him suspended, a decision which was "painful but inevitable."

It goes to prove there are some things a person just can't say with impunity or without punishment. Saying that you enjoy eating cat stew is too politically incorrect.

Jesus would have understood. When He laid claim to being the Son of God, the reaction by the priests was pretty violent. The high priest tore his robes to show he was upset, and the rest of the high court agreed Jesus was worthy of death.

It was a fair verdict. Well, it would have been a fair verdict, except for one small thing. What Jesus said was the truth. If you or I laid claim to being God's only Son, it would be a first-class falsehood. But when those words are uttered by Jesus, they are the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

How do I know?

I know because Jesus rose from the dead on the third day just as He said He would. Jesus' resurrection offers proof that everything He has ever said or promised is real, reliable, and true.

And because it's true, we have eternal life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice and the salvation that comes through Your resurrection victory, we offer our thanks and praise. Now, although some may consider it politically incorrect, may we tell the world, "There is salvation in no one else other than Jesus Christ." In Your Name we pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 15-16    Mark 14:54-72

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