#42: Tuesday, 7 April, 2020
**Tuesday, 7 April — The King Establishes His Kingdom. — Matt. 26:57–75**
Peter's distressed mind wrestled with the reality of his abandonment. He had fled Jesus's arrest, yet now circled back like an anxious witness to tragedy. Stationed in the courtyard, Peter absorbed snippets of trial proceedings through whispered crowds.
Matthew documents the false witnesses testifying against Jesus. These liars earned scorn through their deceit. Yet Matthew pivots dramatically to Peter's own falsehood — three times denying knowledge of Jesus.
The first two accusers were servant girls, hardly formidable challengers. Still, how frequently do we miss faith-sharing moments with everyday people? The third confrontation came from his accent. Galileans, those fierce nationalist rebels against Rome, spoke Aramaic distinctly — comparable to regional English dialects. A group pressed Peter, triggering his rough fisherman's defensiveness.
Peter bore false witness three times against Jesus himself. God's commandment declares: "You shall not bear false witness." Previously understood as prohibition against lying about humans, now God becomes the subject of false testimony — from enemies and disciples alike.
Peter departed weeping bitterly. His anguish and self-reproach were intense, yet his swift repentance impressed. He remained neither proud nor stubborn in guilt; shame overwhelmed him. God regarded his contrition mercifully, forgiving quickly.
Throughout, we contemplate Jesus establishing His Kingdom. A luminous moment emerges when the high priest directly challenges: "Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
Jesus transcends mere affirmation. He establishes credentials as Christ and God's Son, soon enthroned beside the Most High, destined for future glory-cloud arrival: "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." (v64)
Jesus proclaims his true mission before Israel's highest court, establishing his eternal claim: he is genuinely the Christ, the living God's Son.
Afterward, kingdoms divide clearly. Which will you choose?
Jesus established His Kingdom before Israel's high priest. Appearances suggest insignificance — but observe carefully. Small yeast expands to fill worlds with glory.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I imagine myself defending you, though I deceive myself. I'd have fled before Peter did. I confess my failure avoiding witness when opportunity presented itself. Grant me courage to stand with and for you despite opposition. Should social media mobs attack, I'll laugh, silence my phone, and praise you for deeming me worthy to suffer alongside you. Amen.