Matthew 27:1-66
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22:66 to 23:56
John 18:28 to 19:37
Today, Good Friday, marks the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus knew very well what was happening, but I wonder what his disciples were thinking and feeling. They did not stop Judas, they did not stand up and defend Jesus to the crowd, they did not do anything brave or meaningful to prevent Jesus’ death. And then after his death, those three days! They must have felt completely destroyed: guilty, heartbroken, disappointed, afraid. I am so thankful to now know the whole story- at least the part God wants us to know! But this reminds me again how important it is to believe, to have faith, and to behave in a way which reflects that faith.
Holy One, we are the recipients of all that is good, from you. I am so thankful. I recognize Jesus’ death as a sacrifice for all of my sins. I don’t deserve such love, but that is how you are. May I live a life reflecting that love outward, every minute. May I never forget Jesus’ sacrifice for me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 27:1-66, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:66-23:56, John 18:28-19:37 Matthew 27:24. Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the road saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” How often have we, in our own lives, used this term. I wash my hands of you, this situation, etc., etc., and so forth. Do we really believe, as Pilate did, that this absolves us of responsibility and guilt? In making no decision, you are making a decision to let someone else do it. The guilt remains, washing your hands doesn’t cancel your responsibility and guilt. We need to learn fr…
I have always found Pilate an intriguing figure. He is too easily dismissed as a craven and cowardly appeaser who gives in to the mob when he had the authority to stop the lynching. I see him as much more complex, perhaps because, at my worst, I see myself in him. Matthew, Mark and Luke paint a picture for me of a man who is afraid he is dealing with something more than an obscure Jewish insurrectionist. In Matthew, Jesus’ power is so overwhelming it moves Pilate’s wife to warn him of the dangers of this situation. Pilate practically begs the crowd, but ultimately caves in to their demands, but with a public display of “washing his hands” of Jesus’…
2021-0402 Friday, Daily Devotion - Passion Week #5 Luke 23:42-43 (NIV) 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” What I found from today’s scripture of Luke was “The endless passion saves a soul.” One of the criminals did not give up his life and asked Jesus for his salvation just right before the death. He knew who Jesus was and asked Jesus what Jesus could do for him. I found how important endless passion or never give-up for opportunity is from one of the criminals. Lord, pour out Your endless love for me so that I may love people endlessly like…
Matthew 27, Mark 51, Luke 22, 23, John 18, 19
I read these chapters and I think about the suffering and indignities that Jesus went through for me. That I had a part in doing this to him makes me feel such remorse. My sins were part of his suffering. That he love us so much that he would go through all of this inhuman treatment and death, is something I find difficult to wrap my head around. He loved us so very much and died for us. No greater gift is there than this. Jesus gave up his life so we could live.
Dearest Lord, you gave us your son. You let him experience all the inhumanities that a…