How does Luke 22:70 challenge us to acknowledge Jesus as "Son of God"? Setting of Luke 22:70 • Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin at dawn after His arrest (Luke 22:66). • The council has already dismissed His miracles and teaching; they now press for a confession. • Verse 70: “So they all asked, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You say that I am.’” The Claim Jesus Makes • “You say that I am” affirms the title without evasion; He accepts their words as true. • Psalm 2:7 foretold the Messiah as God’s Son; Jesus claims that prophecy for Himself. • John 10:36 shows the same unapologetic acceptance of the title. Response of the Council • Declaring Himself “Son of God” is counted as blasphemy (Luke 22:71) because they understand it as equality with God (cf. John 5:18). • Their outrage underlines the gravity of the claim: no middle ground exists. What It Means to Call Him “Son of God” • Full deity—equal with the Father (John 1:1, 14). • Unique, eternal relationship—“the One and Only Son” (John 3:16). • Messianic authority—He fulfills prophecies of a divine King (Isaiah 9:6–7). • Redemptive mission—only God’s Son can bear sin (1 John 4:14). Personal Implications for Us • Acknowledging Jesus as Son of God is essential for salvation (Romans 10:9; 1 John 4:15). • It demands wholehearted allegiance—no casual admiration or partial acceptance. • It reshapes identity: we become children of God through faith in His Son (John 1:12). • It reorients priorities: His authority governs decisions, values, and relationships (Colossians 1:18). Practical Ways to Acknowledge Him Today • Confess His lordship openly, following the pattern of early believers (Acts 9:20). • Align conduct with His commands, demonstrating faith through obedience (John 14:15). • Worship Him with reverence, recognizing His rightful place above all (Revelation 5:12). • Share His identity and gospel with others, inviting them to the same acknowledgment (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Stand firm when culture pressures denial, remembering Jesus’ bold stance before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 10:32–33). Final Encouragement Luke 22:70 presents a crossroads: either reject Jesus as blasphemer or bow to Him as Son of God. Choosing the latter brings life, assurance, and purpose grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture. |
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