Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
{G1487} Art {G1488} thou {G4771} the Christ {G5547}? tell {G2036} us {G2254}. And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, If {G1437} I tell {G2036} you {G5213}, ye will {G4100} not {G3364} believe {G4100}:
where they said, “If you are the Mashiach, tell us.” He answered, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me;
“If You are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe.
If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
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John 12:37
¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: -
John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. -
Matthew 11:3
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? -
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. -
John 9:27
He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear [it] again? will ye also be his disciples? -
John 9:28
Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. -
John 10:24
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Luke 22:67 records a pivotal moment during Jesus' trial before the Jewish high council, the Sanhedrin. They directly challenge His identity, asking, "Art thou the Christ? tell us." Jesus' profound response reveals their heart condition: "If I tell you, ye will not believe." This verse encapsulates the deep-seated unbelief that characterized much of the opposition He faced.
Context
This verse occurs immediately after Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane and His initial mistreatment. He has been brought before the Sanhedrin, a council composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, who are desperately seeking grounds to condemn Him. Their question about His identity as "the Christ" (the Messiah) was not a genuine inquiry but a calculated attempt to trap Him. A direct affirmation could be twisted into a charge of blasphemy against God or sedition against Roman authority. This scene is paralleled in other Gospels, such as Matthew 26:63 and Mark 14:61, highlighting the importance of this moment in Jesus' passion narrative.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Reflection
Luke 22:67 serves as a powerful reminder of the human tendency towards unbelief, especially when confronted with uncomfortable truths or claims that challenge preconceived notions. Jesus' response highlights that true belief is not merely about receiving information but about a willingness to open one's heart to the truth, even when it demands a radical shift in perspective.
For us today, this verse prompts self-examination: Are we genuinely seeking truth, or do we approach spiritual matters with hardened hearts and predetermined conclusions? Jesus continues to present Himself as the Christ, and the call remains for us to respond with genuine faith and trust, unlike those who questioned Him during His trial.