Matthew 27:11-14
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 27:11-14 imagining Jesus’ face as he is questioned and accused.
Having dragged Jesus through two preliminary “trials” in which multiple Jewish laws have been grossly violated, the religious leaders now take Jesus before the secular authorities for sentencing. Pilate’s question and Jesus’ answer should be enough for the Roman governor to render punishment swiftly. Any insurrection against Caesar is a serious offense, but this man, bound and berated, must not seem like much of a credible threat to Pilate.
In a world where aggression is the norm, the way of Jesus can appear to be passive and even weak. But the way of the Kingdom of God is anything but. Just as evil multiplies evil, shalom breeds shalom, and in the end shalom will conquer all.
Take a few moments to think about the injustices you are experiencing or noticing around you. If you were being completely honest, how would you prefer that God would deal these unjust situations?
How might Jesus be speaking to you through his reaction in this passage? Talk to him about this.
Read Matthew 27:11-14 again imagining how you might want to react if you were being falsely accused.
As we considered in an earlier meditation, Jesus has prepared for this moment in advance. He has maintained unbroken, honest communication with God, and he knows the Scriptures and understands both his true identity and his mission. Nothing spoken against him can trigger him or knock him off center.
Get still for a moment and center yourself on Jesus. Breathe in the prayer of the blind beggars by the road near Jericho: “Jesus, Son of God…” Then breathe out the beggars’ cry: “…have mercy on me!”
Stay with this until you are fully aware of Jesus’ presence with you, and then get quiet and listen to him.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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