I read these words this morning and had to stop and consider the gravity of what it says.
“Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.” Matthew 27:1
“ALL” – there wasn’t one person who objected? Not one who questioned this course of action? Not one who saw the injustice?
“Chief priests” – men whose purpose is supposed to be helping people get right with God. Educated, religious men…men who know God’s law, so moved by their own self interest so as to eliminate someone whose power, influence and charisma undermined their status. Crazy.
“Elders of the people” – they were “of the people,” yet the people had sought Jesus, so these ‘elders’ had to take action. Elders should have wisdom and offer guidance and direction that helps people navigate life within the blessing of God…and these elders were stopping the people from finding wisdom from the originator of wisdom and life from the giver of life and hope from the eternal giver of hope. Amazing.
“Came to the decision” – All authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Jesus, yet they “came to the decision” as if they had authority. Such pride! Such arrogance! Such presumption! Such audacity!
“To put Jesus to death” – who? Jesus. God the Son. The Word who was with God in the beginning and who was God. The Word who became flesh so we could behold His glory. The Light of the World. The door and gate to God. The One who created all things and by whose power all things are held together. The Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. The Bright and Morning Star. He is the Balm of Gilead and the Prince of Peace.
Yet they “came to the decision to put Jesus to death.”
But I do the same. Whenever I deny His Lordship. I elevate my authority over my life instead of surrendering to His authority…just like the chief priests and elders of the people.
Thank you Lord, that while we were yet sinners, you died for us. You saw past that day and their rebellion and past my rebellion. You loved me when I was most unloveable. You are worthy of my love in return and you define my love by my obedience by saying, “If you obey my commands you will remain in my love just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” John 15:10
Thanks for the grace to live for you. I am nothing without you, Jesus.