Sharper Iron — All Righteousness Fulfilled: Jesus, the Innocent One

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Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, IL and Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Point, IL and host of Concord Matters, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 26:57-68.

As Jesus is put on trial before the Sanhedrin, two opposing worldviews clash. Jesus is focused on the things of God, while His opponents only think the things of man. As the high priest, Caiaphas should have known the Scriptures and recognized Jesus as the true temple. Instead, he leads a sham trial with a predetermined verdict. Two witnesses finally recall words Jesus spoke about the destruction and restoration of the Temple. Though Jesus had spoken about His death and resurrection, the Sanhedrin once again only considers the worldly perspective. The high priest’s charge leads to Jesus’ confession of the truth that He is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Son of Man who will stand as their Judge. Though the high priest believes Jesus has convicted Himself, it is the high priest who convicts himself by unlawfully tearing his robes and by leading the Sanhedrin in angry mockery of Jesus. Throughout the text, Jesus remains the Innocent One in order to bestow His righteousness and holiness on sinners.

“All Righteousness Fulfilled” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that digs into the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike as the fulfillment of God’s saving words and acts throughout the Old Testament. As the Christ in the line of David and Abraham, Jesus is the promised King who comes to bring sinners from every nation to live under His gracious reign.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Matthew 26:57-68

Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council

57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 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. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council[a] were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”[b] 63 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.” 64 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.” 65 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. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Footnotes:

Matthew 26:59 Greek Sanhedrin

Matthew 26:62 Or Have you no answer to what these men testify against you?

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.