Bible In A Year | Read: Matthew 27
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. 15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. Matthew 27:11-18
Overview of Chapter
Jesus is put on trial multiple times. The Jewish leaders were not permitted to execute people; it was only Roman authorities who had that power. Pilate correctly determines that Jesus had done nothing worthy of death, but bows to pressure from the people. Jesus’ crucifixion also involves being mocked and beaten. Upon Jesus’ death, the curtain in the Temple is torn. This signifies that now that Jesus had died for the sins of everyone, the people no longer needed to make sacrifices at the Temple. Jesus is then buried. Under normal circumstances, this would be the end of the story. Jesus’ disciples must have been heart-broken and feeling very foolish for having followed someone whom they thought would take over the world.
Jesus died for you and me. He died so we would not need to pay for our own sin. He was mocked so we could experience glory. He was considered a criminal so we could be considered righteous. He died alone so we could have a relationship with God. Our gratitude should be boundless!
Thoughts on the verses
Pilate is not a fool. He knows exactly what is happening and why.
He knows Jesus is not guilty. He knows that the Jews are trying to kill Him because they are afraid of Him and jealous of Him. He knows … but he still is not able to let Jesus go free.
Ever been unable to do what you know is right? Sometimes it is so hard, that you just cannot do it. This is where Pilate is at. He tries to do find ways to release Jesus. Here, we see that he has a custom of releasing one criminal every Passover. He wants to release Jesus – the people would rather have a murderer set free! The people make a totally foolish decision; they would rather have a murderer free in the city rather than seeing a good man set free.
This is how much people hate what is true and right sometimes.
Prayer
Father, it is hard to do what is right in the midst of hatred. We know, and yet we struggle when people pour out their hatred against what You say is true and right. We see it all around us in this world. I see Jesus just stay quiet in the midst of great anger around Him. He did not defend Himself, try to correct their error or seek to mediate His freedom. He simply spoke truth and trusted You. Father, that is what I want to be able to do. Just speak truth, love broken hurting people and trust Your hand. In the end, it will speak with greater volume than any defense I can have, any words of wisdom or any convincing argument. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action Step
What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
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