Matthew 26 – Speaking up for Himself

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." – Matt 26:63b-64 (ESV)

Why does Jesus answer this question and not others? His integrity and his character were under attack the entire time, but Jesus makes no effort to address these inaccuracies. But when it came to this particular question, challenged by an oath, Jesus responds. As to the reason for Jesus’ response, D.A. Carson writes: Jesus speaks in this way, not because Caiaphas has spoken the truth of himself without any revelation, but because Caiaphas's understanding of "Messiah" and "Son of God" is fundamentally inadequate. Jesus is indeed the Messiah and so must answer affirmatively. But he is not quite the Messiah Caiaphas has in mind (Carson, Matthew, Expositor’s Bible Commentary). Jesus as Messiah has implications for us all. It is not a question that can be addressed without reflecting on how we are going to respond to His answer. Yes people misunderstand Jesus all the time; many times they are upset at a caricature rather than the original. But some people understand Jesus with a good degree of clarity and are affronted by the submission that this Messiah requires. Lord, help me to see You clearly and to respond as You deserve.