Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Give Us This Day

Home
Evangelical
Saturday of Trinity 11 – Luke 22:63-23:12

Saturday of Trinity 11 – Luke 22:63-23:12

Last updated on: August 16, 2013 at 10:36 pm by Fr. Charles Erlandson

Saturday of Trinity 11 – Luke 22:63-23:12 2013-08-16T22:36:56-05:00 Fr. Charles Erlandson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Luke 22:63-23:12

“Are you then the Son of God?” This was the question asked by the council which consisted of both chief priests and scribes.

Jesus’ answer is simple and explosive: “You rightly say that I am.”

In other words, “You are right in saying that I am the Son of God.” But Jesus’ answer could also be construed to read: “You rightly say that I AM,” for in Greek it reads “eco eili” which some scholars believe should be read in contexts like this one as “I AM.”

In other words, Jesus is not only claiming to be the Messiah and the Son of God, however these might be understood by the 1st century Jews, but is also claiming to be Yahweh, I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the New Testament, whenever Jesus says “ego eimi” we don’t find people saying “Oh, that’s nice,” as if Jesus is just saying “I am he” or “I am the one you are looking for” (as most English translations have it.) What He is probably saying is I AM! And it is this statement that provokes rage and charges of blasphemy like no other statement Jesus makes.

And rage and blasphemy should be our responses, too, to one who makes himself equal with God Himself. Unless . . .

Unless, of course, He really is one with the Father and truly is the Son of God. Unless He really is I AM.

And since He is, and since HE IS, our response to Him should be one in keeping with whom He truly is.

So how should we respond to Jesus of Nazareth appearing in our lives and claiming to be the Son of God and God Himself?

We have already learned that it is easy to think that the Kingdom of God is not here yet because we don’t see it as a physical kingdom. In a similar way, it is easy to forget that the Son of God is really here, because we don’t see Him physically. The truth is that Jesus of Nazareth is no longer here on earth, and so we can’t see him physically.

But that is a far different thing than saying that He is not here. In verse 69 of Luke 22 Jesus Himself tells the Jewish leaders, and us, that hereafter (after the Ascension, that is) the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.” From his throne in heaven, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I AM, reigns over His kingdom and is present with His people through the Holy Spirit.

I AM is here! This is the astounding truth that we wake to each morning but manage to forget. God is with us – Immanuel!

Yesterday, when Peter denied that he was a Christian, he said, “I am not” and denied His Lord.

But this morning, Jesus says I AM. The God who created the heavens and the earth in six days is in your presence this morning. The God who gave you life and made you in His image is with you this morning. The God who is worthy of all praise and glory and honor and blessing is here this morning and every morning.

When the Son of God appeared before the elders of Israel 2000 years ago, they accused Him of blasphemy, mocked Him, insulted Him, tortured Him, and crucified Him.

When the Son of God appears before you this morning, how will you respond?

Spend the rest of today answering that one simple question.

Resolution: I resolve to remember today, throughout the day, the presence of the Son of God, I AM, in my life. I further resolve to respond the way I know I should.

Prayer: Almighty God, the great I AM, I thank You that you reign in heaven above and praise You for who YOU ARE. Help me, in my weakness, to see You today in all things. When I see you, give me the grace to respond with adoration and praise, thanksgiving and joy, confession and repentance, cheerful dependence and obedience, and everything else that one created in Your image is able to return to You.

Point for Mediation: What are some ways you can help myself to remember God’s presence throughout the day? This is an exceedingly important question in your life.

Book of Common Prayer

Give Us This Day daily devotional

Previous Post

August 16, 2013

Friday of Trinity 11 - Luke 22:47-62

Next Post

August 18, 2013 Monday of Trinity 12 - Luke 23:13-25

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book Reviews Featured Give Us This Day Give Us This Day Devotional love me love my wife Love My Wife Reformed Catholicism Blog Spirit-Reality Take This Cup Uncategorized

Select a Month February 2022 November 2021 October 2021 August 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 September 2018 July 2018 March 2018 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What body part did Peter cut off a servant during Jesus’ arrest?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ear Nose Hand Finger