Jesus stood before Pilate the governor. Pilate asked him questions. He said, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Yes, I am." When the leading priests and the older Jewish leaders accused Jesus, he said nothing. So Pilate said to Jesus, "You hear these people accusing you of all these things. Why don't you answer?" But Jesus said nothing to answer Pilate. Pilate was very surprised at this.
—Matthew 27:11-14
Key Thought
If the murder of Jesus weren't so tragic, the scene would be humorous in a dark sort of way. Pilate, the Roman Governor, and the Jews, hated each other. Yet they dance this strange dance of hated political bedfellows. Pilate doesn't want to give them anything they want, but must keep the peace. The Jews don't want Jesus to slip out of their hands so they must act like they respect Pilate.
As he will all the way through this tragic movement of grace, Jesus remains silent and in control. He is the only one who does not react out of fear or jealousy. Jesus' path is determined by God's will and his love for us.
Jesus is silent, but in control. He is Lord in his submission to the will of God and in the face of the hateful actions of his enemies! He will not be goaded into saving or protecting himself, but dies for us—for you and me.
Today's Prayer
O Lord God Almighty, I marvel again in your restraint and grace. How you could let this happen is beyond my comprehension. At the same time, I thank you. I thank you that Jesus shows me that I can be self-controlled when I fully submit to your will. I thank you that Jesus shows me there are bigger things than ridicule and death. I thank you that the story doesn't end with Pilate, an angry mob, and a crucifixion. I thank you for Jesus being raised and now sitting as my triumphant Lord until the time he returns to take me home! To you be all praise, both now and forevermore. In Jesus' name I offer this thanks and praise. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 27:11-14
Key Thought
If the murder of Jesus weren't so tragic, the scene would be humorous in a dark sort of way. Pilate, the Roman Governor, and the Jews, hated each other. Yet they dance this strange dance of hated political bedfellows. Pilate doesn't want to give them anything they want, but must keep the peace. The Jews don't want Jesus to slip out of their hands so they must act like they respect Pilate.
As he will all the way through this tragic movement of grace, Jesus remains silent and in control. He is the only one who does not react out of fear or jealousy. Jesus' path is determined by God's will and his love for us.
Jesus is silent, but in control. He is Lord in his submission to the will of God and in the face of the hateful actions of his enemies! He will not be goaded into saving or protecting himself, but dies for us—for you and me.
Today's Prayer
O Lord God Almighty, I marvel again in your restraint and grace. How you could let this happen is beyond my comprehension. At the same time, I thank you. I thank you that Jesus shows me that I can be self-controlled when I fully submit to your will. I thank you that Jesus shows me there are bigger things than ridicule and death. I thank you that the story doesn't end with Pilate, an angry mob, and a crucifixion. I thank you for Jesus being raised and now sitting as my triumphant Lord until the time he returns to take me home! To you be all praise, both now and forevermore. In Jesus' name I offer this thanks and praise. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2017 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.
