Matthew 27:24-26
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.
If you haven’t already, read Matthew 27:11-23 for context. Then read today’s passage, Matthew 27:24-26 noting anything that stands out to you.
Though Pilate makes several attempts to raise questions about the charges against Jesus, the pressure of the crowd finally pushes him to act against his conscience. He is aware that the religious leaders are accusing Jesus solely out of envy, and he has heard his wife’s warning that he is prosecuting an innocent man, but Pilate simply does not have the inner fortitude to stand up to raging mob. He will pervert justice to avoid a scene.
You may never be in the position of deciding someone’s life or death, but from time to time we all make subtle choices to look the other way when we see someone being treated unjustly. Consider taking some time and asking the Holy Spirit to point out current situations in in your life in which you are subconsciously justifying a lack of compassion or an unwillingness to speak up for someone in distress. This may feel very uncomfortable, but stay with it for a while and speak openly to Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling.
Read Matthew 27:24-26 again.
The tragedy of this story is profound. The people in the frenzied mob eagerly accept responsibility for the perversion of justice as they demand the murder of him whose only offense was shining the light of truth on their false ways of life. In total blind hatred they welcome the innocent blood of Jesus to be on their hands and are willing even to saddle their own children with responsibility for their evil actions.
In a completely futile gesture, Pilate tries to distance himself from the flagrant wrongdoing, but there is no water that can wash away the guilt of Pilate’s acquiescence to that which he knows is depraved. What he doesn’t realize is that the innocent blood of the man he is sentencing to die is the only thing powerful enough to cleanse him of his sin.
Consider making the following prayer your own today:
“Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.” – Book of Common Prayer
Then get quiet for a while and listen to Jesus.
What might Jesus want you to remember or do today?
Will you?
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