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The Truth Summoned by Falsehood

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The Truth Summoned by Falsehood

4 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none” (Matthew 26:59-60).

The highest authority in Israel had been hastily gathered together. The unusual hour was no problem for them, and their night rest was gladly sacrificed in order to serve for the welfare of the nation. The hated Rabbi of Nazareth was to appear before the high council this day.

This was an occasion which they had long awaited. For how varied their opinions might be regarding certain matters, when it concerned the Lord Jesus, they were of one opinion. With the exception of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea, they hated the Savior with a murderous hatred. Therefore the decision had already been made that He must die.

A short time before, when the raising up of Lazarus had made such a deep impression on the people, the members of the high council had asked among themselves, “What do we? for this Man doeth many miracles.” The chairman, Caiaphas the high priest, made the proposal to put Him to death, for this would serve to the benefit of the nation. Now that they had Him in their hands, their plans could be fulfilled.

However, the difficulty was that they had no good grounds for the death sentence. For what reason could a complaint be made? For what deed could they accuse Him? No one could bring forth a lawful accusation. Many attempts had been made to catch Him in His words, but they had never been successful. No, this was impossible, for the Surety which God had given unto His people was without sin. He could freely ask, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” Otherwise He could never have been a Surety for sinners.

For this the members of the high council were blind. Their hatred toward Jesus could not be a lawful ground, and they had no other grounds. Well, then they would accuse Him falsely. Who is willing to give a false testimony? Wasn’t that directly against God’s command, Thou shalt not bear false witness? Moreover, to do so was totally despicable in society! Were there persons who would give themselves for such a purpose? Oh, yes, they were much too willing. Were these from the fringe of society? I once heard a person, after taking an oath of office, say, “For a dime I will give a false oath.” But here it was the elite of Israel who were asking for perjurers. Usually that kind give themselves willingly; one never knows whether there might be an appointment or promotion attached to it.

False witnesses against Jesus! There were not just a few, but many who were willing to do this work of the devil, for that is what it was. Christ had said to the Jews who did not believe in Him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” All who bring false witness against Christ actually do exactly what Satan did in Paradise. Satan has so many followers or children. This false witness against Christ and His church continues to be heard throughout the whole world via the false press, via radio and television, and even via many churches and pulpits.

What kind of witness do we give, to the outside, but also among each other? Is it in accordance with the testimony of God which He gives in His Word regarding Christ? Do we commend Him and His service? Or do we by slander or a worldly lifestyle give a false testimony of Him? Be aware that one day the situation will be turned around. In Jerusalem, Truth stood before the “judgment seat” of falsehood, but soon the liars will be summoned before the Highest Judge of truth. Then false witnesses will not be sentenced on the basis of a false accusation, but on legal grounds. Then the all-knowing God will witness against us. Also God’s Word, both law and gospel, shall testify against us, and likewise our sins and our consciences shall join in the testimony.

Therefore how necessary it is to fall before the Lord and to beg for mercy. For guilty ones, there is mercy. To obtain an acquittal for false witnesses before God’s judgment seat, Christ was willing to be condemned on the ground of a false accusation. And where He applies His merits, persons are renewed in His image. Former false witnesses shall then testify of the truth. “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness” (Proverbs 12:17), but “a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish” (Proverbs 19:9).


Rev. Boogaard serves the congregation of Leiderdorp in the Netherlands.

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The Truth Summoned by Falsehood

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