[They] led Him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. ... that they might put Him to death ... But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Matthew 26:57b, 59b, 63-64)

"Tell us who you are." Caiaphas clearly didn't recognize the Messiah standing in front of Him. He saw an ordinary man, someone safe to destroy.

Why? Self-interest, no doubt. What need for a high priest if God is walking among us? And then there was Jesus' appearance. Bruised, beaten, bloody—does this look like the Son of God?

So he put Jesus under oath: "Tell us if You are the Christ." And Jesus answered "yes" in the polite phrase of the time, "You have said so." But He added: "From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven."

What does this mean? I think it's a warning. The next time Caiaphas sees Jesus, He will look much different. He will see Him in glory, the Judge and King of all.

This is a warning for Caiaphas—but for us who believe in Jesus, it is a promise of joy. We, too, will see Him—alive, glorious, and still carrying the wounds of the cross He bore for you and for me. We will see Him, the One who loved us enough to die and rise for us. And we will not be afraid.

WE PRAY: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Tell about a time you mistook someone's identity.

* Why does it matter who Jesus is?

* How do you think you will feel when you see Jesus at last?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 1-2    Luke 2:1-24

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