"The Great Crime: I am the Son of God"

"The Great Crime: I am the Son of God"

Matthew 27:41-43: Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the Cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him, for He said, I am the Son of God.

The very chief priests who had plotted against Jesus now gloat over their accomplishment of getting Christ crucified. While belittling and ridiculing Him, they uttered a great truth which they themselves did not comprehend. That truth: "He saved others; Himself He cannot save." This is a profound truth that Jesus had brought salvation to others, and yet could not save Himself from the Cross. It was the Cross that would bring validity to the salvation that He brought to others.

Psalm 22 is quoted [whether by intent or just a fulfillment of the prediction of Psalm]. Psalm 22 is remarkable for its accurate description of the crucifixion scene. Only Isaiah 53 rivals that Psalm in describing the pathos of Good Friday.

Jehovah's Witnesses claim that nowhere in the Scriptures does Jesus claim to be the Son of God. They see Him only as the angel of Jehovah. However, in verse 43 we have the chief priests again confirming that the reason for plotting against Jesus was His claim that He was the Son of God. One who is only human claiming to be the Son of God (thus equal with God) is blasphemy worthy of death. There is no way around that. The next time a JW comes to your door, show them that verse, and pray for them that the blindness will be lifted.