Matthew 27: 11-54 v 26 “So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead tipped whip, the turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.”
Jesus was standing before Pilate. But when the leading priest and the elder made their accusations against Him, Jesus remained silent. Now is was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd- anyone they wanted. “Which one do you want me to release to you? – Barabas or Jesus? Pilates wife sent this message “Leave that innocent man alone.” The crowd shouted back Barabas. Pilor saw that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd. And all the people shouted back,” We will take responsibility for His death.” So Pilate released Barabas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead tipped whip, the turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called pout the entire regiment. And they spit on Him and grabbed the stick and struck Him on the head with it. Then they led Him away to be crucified. After they had nailed Him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The people passing by shouted abuse. The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. Then Jesus shouted out again and He released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart and tombs opened. The soldiers were terrified. They said, “This man truly was the son of God.”
They were all there. From the leader of the current occupying nation, the Romans, local politicians, religious leaders, occupying soldiers of all ranks, and the crowds of everyday people. And when Jesus died, the earth shook, the temple was changed forever, and the soldiers believed that Jesus was the son of God!
Always being close to Jesus changes people. Pilate’s wife tried to intercede on Jesus’s behalf. And at His death, the soldiers put it all together and believed. Out of everyday events comes the salvation of the world.
Take note of the everyday events around you this Easter weekend and see the love that is possible for all to choose.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we are sorry for the cruelty we see in this world today. We ask for forgiveness for our part in it. We thank you for overcoming it all with love, and we ask you to help us show your transforming love to all we meet. Amen.
CrossWalk 