Confession
Scripture Reading — Mark 14:53-72
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
—Mark 14:61-62
Picture yourself standing before the highest legal officials and church leaders—all in the same room and all wanting to find you guilty. That is what Jesus faced as he stood on trial. There was not one supporter in the entire place as he faced a judge and jury who would allow false testimony and fiery bursts of emotion to skew the evidence in the courtroom.
In the face of such antagonism Jesus stood his ground. He knew that all he needed was the backing of his Father in heaven. Jesus boldly let everyone know that he was the anointed one who came to save God’s people and rule over all things.
Jesus’ confession of his divine identity takes place at the same time as Peter’s denials. While Jesus is standing before the judi-cial authorities who want to put him to death, Peter is confronted by people without power who are curious and think he is one of Jesus’ followers. Yet he falters in his ability to confess his faith three times in a row.
Whenever we are tempted not to acknowledge our loyalty to Jesus, we should remember the good confession that Jesus uttered instead of taking the route of Peter and hiding our true allegiance. Remember who you are and to whom you belong!
Thank you, Lord, for saying “I am” in the crucible of criticism. May there not be even one occasion in our lives when we forget to confess your name. Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
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