Matthew 27:11–44

Be Still: Father, thank you that you meet me where I am today. Please strengthen me in your Spirit and speak to me through your Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 27:11–44

'I am innocent of this man's blood,' he said. 'It is your responsibility.' (v24b)

Encounter: Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He knew it. He’d questioned Jesus personally. He’d listened as 'witnesses' threw out contradictory and increasingly ludicrous accusations. He’d even had a message from his wife who'd been told in a dream that Jesus was innocent and implored her husband to reject this terrible conspiracy against him. 

But Pilate was crafty. He didn’t want to rile the Jewish leaders so instead of doing the right thing and just letting Jesus go, he devised a plan to let Jesus go and blame the crowd. He gave the crowd a choice – to release Barabbas, a notorious criminal, or Jesus, the man who a week earlier they had lined the streets to cheer and celebrate. Surely this couldn’t go wrong. But the plan backfired, the crowd turned on Jesus, demanding that Pilate crucify him. He tried to reason with them but to no avail. They shouted louder, they got angry, the situation was getting out of control. 

Pilate had a choice: do the right thing, go against the crowd and let Jesus go, risking an uprising that would probably cost him his job… or crucify an innocent man and keep the peace.

Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but he had him crucified anyway. Pilate knew what was right but he chose what was easy.

Apply: We all face choices in life between what is easy and what is right. Granted they may not be as extreme as the situation that Pilate faced but, every day, we face choices to follow God’s way of justice and integrity, or to compromise and keep the peace. 

When we see someone being racially abused, do we step in, or do we keep quiet? When our boss asks us to lie to a client, do we stand up to them or go along with it? When friends are gossiping, do we join in or walk away? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it’s not easy. 

Devote: Jesus, please give me the courage today to do what is right even when it’s not easy.