In today’s reading we find ourselves at the mock trial of Jesus. The innocent Son of God stands before the chief priest and elders and is condemned to die. At the sight of being handed over to Pilate, Judas the betrayer hangs himself.
Making no reply in front of Pilate, Jesus is put in front of the crowd. They are to choose to release Jesus Barabbas a well known prisoner, a life long criminal….or Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The crowd chooses to release the criminal and crucify the innocent Messiah, Jesus. Even Pilate, a hardened Roman washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, he said. “It is your responsibility! Matthew 27:24
All the people answered….”His blood is on us and on our children!”
What would have you done in the crowd? I have often thought I would have shouted for Christ to be released…but would I. Surrounded with the crowd…would I too be swept away in the moment?
Much too my dismay, I know I would have shouted crucify Him…because for many years I lived my life the way I wanted to…and Jesus would have simply been in the way…
It amazes me how we chose the criminal over the innocent and pure…how we choose sin over righteousness…self over Christ…
This morning picture yourself in the crowd…what are you shouting today?
Verse 26 simply reads “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified….
In your life have you released the criminal and crucified the Messiah or have you crucified the criminal and released the Messiah….
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 15-17 Mat 27:1-31
Making no reply in front of Pilate, Jesus is put in front of the crowd. They are to choose to release Jesus Barabbas a well known prisoner, a life long criminal….or Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The crowd chooses to release the criminal and crucify the innocent Messiah, Jesus. Even Pilate, a hardened Roman washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, he said. “It is your responsibility! Matthew 27:24
All the people answered….”His blood is on us and on our children!”
What would have you done in the crowd? I have often thought I would have shouted for Christ to be released…but would I. Surrounded with the crowd…would I too be swept away in the moment?
Much too my dismay, I know I would have shouted crucify Him…because for many years I lived my life the way I wanted to…and Jesus would have simply been in the way…
It amazes me how we chose the criminal over the innocent and pure…how we choose sin over righteousness…self over Christ…
This morning picture yourself in the crowd…what are you shouting today?
Verse 26 simply reads “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified….
In your life have you released the criminal and crucified the Messiah or have you crucified the criminal and released the Messiah….
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 15-17 Mat 27:1-31
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