Joni And Friends Devotional October 26th, 2023 Message
Joni and Friends Devotional October 26, 2023 Thursday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: He Gave No Answer
“Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’” – Matthew 26:62
Most of us can get a little worked up at times defending ourselves. Sure, we can handle “valid” criticism (or not!), but when someone attacks us unfairly or misrepresents the facts, we naturally have to speak up on our own behalf.
In today’s Scripture, as Jesus stood before a wildly unfair kangaroo court, he didn’t defend himself at all. After presenting false witnesses, the high priest yells in his face, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
Why didn’t Jesus answer? Why didn’t he defend himself? Because it wasn’t himself he was defending. His guilt wasn’t on the judgment seat; our guilt was. He was standing there in our place, taking the abuse, judgment, and scorn that rightly belong to us. In light of our sins and rebellion, it was fitting that he said nothing and gave no answer. The charges were all true, but they belonged to us.
Lord Jesus, you didn’t speak for yourself or defend yourself against those hateful lies, because you had me on your heart. You took the blame for me. On the cross, you willingly took the punishment I deserved and died the death I should have died. What a Savior! What a Friend!
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY