And then the high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not offer any answer for what these men are testifying against You?” But He kept silent and did not offer any answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and said to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Tearing his clothes, the high priest said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him as deserving of death.

When was a time you asked a question looking to receive a specific answer? If someone answered differently than what you expected, it was probably hard to accept. A different answer indicates a different way for us to react and respond. We may go to the doctor thinking we have a sinus infection but be shocked and frustrated to learn the condition is more serious we thought. Before Jesus responded, the high priest had an expected answer. Jesus’s answer was not only frustrating but accepting it would also cost him something. If Jesus was not Son of the Blessed One, the high priest could call Him a liar and throw Jesus out of the temple as he wanted. To accept the answer Jesus gave would require the high priest to surrender and admit he was wrong.

We too have the answers we want to hear from Jesus. When we pray for direction, we know the things we would prefer. When we pray for God’s provision, we know the way we would like to see it play out. God’s Word often gives us answers we don’t like. It tells us to live generously instead of gathering treasures on earth. It tells us to love our enemies even when they are cruel to us. It tells us to look to the interests of others and live as servants. It tells us to surrender to Jesus’s lordship instead of insisting on our own way.

• What are the realities of faith that are costly for us? Which one is hardest for you?
• How can we process and accept answers from God that are different than what we want?
• Pray and confess to God some of the realities of faith it is hard for you to accept or follow. Ask Him for help.