Matthew 27:62-66
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.
Today’s passage overlaps with our last passage. Recall your thoughts on Matthew 27:62-64 and then continue reading through verse 66.
Throughout his encounter with Jesus, the Roman Governor, Pilate, seemed to be convinced that Jesus was innocent - and he possibly even believed that Jesus was more than a mere human being. But neither justice nor fear of God was enough to keep Pilate from being swayed by Israel’s religious leaders. Pilate alone had the authority to sentence Jesus to death, and in spite of his own misgivings, he did just that.
Now the same religious leaders come to Pilate in fear asking him to ensure that Jesus’ words about rising from the dead will not come to pass.
Pilate is a tragic example of someone who encounters the possibility of ultimate freedom in the presence of Jesus but chooses the false promise of self-preservation instead. Pilate failed to let go of his carefully constructed version of life to find real life in Jesus, and now he is left with guilt and fear.
Recall Jesus’ words to his disciples at the beginning of his earthly ministry:
“If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” – Matthew 10:38-39
Sit with these words for a moment and ask Jesus to speak to you through the sad example of Pilate.
Read Matthew 27:62-66 again.
Pilate was a person created in the image of God as were all of the religious leaders of Israel. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both made choices to turn away from the culture around them and turn to Jesus, but the truth is that this option was available to every last one of the characters in this story.
On the cross, Jesus took upon himself the sins of every person for all time. Jesus died for the sins of Pilate, and Jesus died for the sins of the religious authorities. There is no sin so grievous that Jesus could not absorb it. The choice is ours to accept freedom in the presence of Jesus.
Imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus right now. What is your posture? What does Jesus say to you?
What will you do in response?
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