PILATE CONDEMNS JESUS TO DIE
MATTHEW 27:11-14, 24, 26B
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed... So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” ...and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
QUESTIONS
Notice how the various hands seem to be grasping for Jesus in a certain way. Which hand in the image could be your hand?
What do you see in Jesus' expression? What does that expression communicate to you?
It's easy to disapprove of this crowd or of Pilate's unwillingness to save Jesus. What ways do you sense Jesus challenging you to defend the innocent?
PRAY
Jesus, I see in your silence the quiet strength that reveals a peace and a resolve. O Lord, help me deal with the unfairness of life without becoming critical of others. Help me to be sensitive to the pain and feelings of others. Give me the courage to do what is right without being swayed by the demands of others.