Scripture to Read: John 18:38–40
After Pilate said to Jesus, “What is truth,” he returned to the Jews and told them that he found nothing in Jesus that was worthy of sentencing Him to death, but Pilate was not interested in a riot taking place and he wanted to appease the crowd. So, we read in John 18:39–40, But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the religious leaders wanted Jesus dead. God had Matthew record it this way in Matthew 27:15–20: Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but gave in to the crowd’s demands (Matthew 27:21–26).
Challenge & Application
• The peer pressure of a crowd can sway people; so, how do you overcome the crowd’s voice when it contradicts God’s Truth?
• We know it was God the Father’s perfect will for Jesus to go to the cross, but how did Pilate fail as a leader?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!