Matthew 26:57-68 (ESV)
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ ” And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 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.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
A Devotional Meditation from Matthew's Passion Narrative:
“And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him. But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them…For I am with you to save you,” declares the LORD."
This prophesy, which comes through the prophet Jeremiah, heightens the great tragedy of the scene that takes place in the house of Caiaphas. There sits the chief priest. Next to him according to their order of rank are the other leading priests and elders of the people that sit of the great Council of the Sanhedrin. And there, in the middle of this assembly stands the lone figure of Jesus.
In this moment, God's promise through Jeremiah is being fulfilled. Jesus is the Son of David—great David’s greater Son. He has been sent by his Father to break the yoke of the devil. To burst the bonds of death. To free them from their slavery to sin. This Jesus whom God has raised up is now standing right there in their midst. He is with them to save them.
But those men who have gathered on this night refuse to see this Jesus. Instead, they listen to lies. They accuse him of blasphemy. They spit at him. Strike him. And condemn him as a criminal who deserves to die.
How often have we refused to see this Jesus—even when he stands with us in order to save us? How often has Jesus stood with us ready burst the bonds of our embittered hearts and we have refused him? How often has Jesus stood with us ready to break the yoke of our lustful passions and we have indulged them? How often has Jesus stood with us ready to free us from slavery to every sin that so easily besets us and we have instead sold ourselves back into the bondage of sin for some short-lived moment of satisfaction?
See Jesus for who he really is. He is the one who stood in the midst of those men and allowed himself to be falsely accused of your sins. Who suffered the punishment you deserve. Who was condemned to die your death. He is the Son of David who was raised up on a cross. Whom God has raised up from the dead. Now Jesus has come to stand before you—not to condemn you—but to save you. Not to break you—but to heal you. Not to enslave you—but to set you free from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Look upon this Jesus—fall to your knees in repentance—hear the good news and believe.
Image Description (AI Prompt)
Create an artistic rendition of broken chains, transforming the scene into a symbol of freedom and resilience. The chains are depicted not merely as metallic objects, but as powerful metaphors, with each broken link artistically exaggerated to emphasize its significance. The pieces lie on an abstract, textured surface that could represent earth, sky, or an undefined dreamscape, blurring the lines between reality and metaphor. The play of light and shadow is dramatic and purposeful, casting the broken chains in a heroic light, while the background swirls with colors and shapes, suggesting the tumultuous journey from confinement to liberation. This piece is both a celebration of freedom and a testament to the strength required to break away from what binds us.