Matthew 27:20-23
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.
As we continue the story of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, read Matthew 27:20-23 imagining the sights and sounds.
Once violence and aggression have taken hold, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind. The unbridled hatred of the religious leaders compels them forward as they gather the undecided or unaware to join in their pursuit of Jesus. In their blatant dehumanization of Jesus, the religious authorities and their recruits become one unified force of destruction. All reason and morality are eclipsed by the howling of the mob.
Though most of us would quickly dismiss the idea that we could be influenced by a mob mentality, there is much evidence that we are all susceptible to becoming swept up by collective emotion and aggression if we haven’t made up our minds in advance about where we stand. Stop to consider the ways you are allowing yourself to be prepared by Jesus to stand firm in the way of shalom in a world where division and vitriol run rampant.
Share your thoughts and questions about this with Jesus.
Read Matthew 27:20-23 again.
Shalom is the idea that all things are whole and right – the way God intended them to be. Shalom is the state of being where righteousness and justice reign equally for everyone.
It doesn’t take much imagination to see that shalom is not the current state of the world. All around us we see broken relationships, abuse of power and privilege, destruction of the natural world, and all-out chaos.
Shalom is the opposite of chaos.
Take some time to still yourself in the presence of Jesus. As you settle, begin to breathe in the name of Jesus and breathe out a one or two-word prayer that expresses your emotional state right now. You might pray something like, “Jesus…I am weary…sad…hopeful…” or something else.
When you feel centered, get quiet and listen to the Spirit of Jesus for a while.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do about it?
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