Scripture to Read: Matthew 27:11–26
Today we examine Jesus’s second encounter with the governor, Pilate. Jesus’s first experience before Pilate is not recorded in Matthew, but it is in Luke 23:1–6. Pilate did not want to judge Jesus. We read in Luke 23:7 that when Pilate learned that Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate knew Jesus belonged under Herod’s jurisdiction. So, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, as recorded in Luke 23:6–12. As Jesus stood before Herod, He refused to say anything, and God had Peter note this in 1 Peter 2:22–23. Herod ended up returning Jesus to Pilate (Luke 23:11). So, in Matthew 27, Jesus stood before Pilate for the second time. Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews, and Jesus answered, “It is as you say.” Jesus never needed to defend Himself, for He knew He must fulfill the Father’s perfect will and die for the sins of all mankind. But, of course, Jesus also knew He was, is, and always will be the King of all kings. Pilate never found a reason to put Jesus to death, so he wanted to release Jesus. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death (Matthew 27:20). When the crowd proclaimed, “His blood shall be upon us and our children,” in Matthew 27:25, they had no idea that Jesus’s blood was the only blood capable of cleansing them from their sin. Jesus was about to lay down His life for all mankind, including those calling for His death.
Challenge & Application
· Jesus did not defend Himself when wrongly accused (1 Peter 2:22–23). How have you seen this modeled in others or yourself?
· How do you see your life still being transformed, knowing Christ’s blood has completely washed away all of your sin?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!