Mark 15:2-5; Matthew 27:11-14; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-40; Mark 15:6-15; Matthew 27:15-26; Luke 23:13-25; John 19:1-16; Mark 15:16-20; Matthew 27:27-31
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Matthew: The Passion readings today are always tough... they bring home the reality of what Jesus did for each of us. Tomorrow's readings are tougher. An image of Pilate asking the crowd in verse 22: ""But if I release Barabbas," Pilate asked them, "what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?"
I read an interesting commentary on verse 24 today: "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 crowd, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this man. The responsibility is yours!" Tyndale's commentary said that even though Pilate verbally said the "responsibility is yours" and even though he washed his hands - his responsibility remained. He was essentially afraid about losing his job, because there was the threat to report him to Caesar (John 19:12). Pilate was the Roman governor from AD 26-36 for Judea and Samaria. One of his main duties was to simply "keep the peace" in this outlying area of the Roman Empire - and to do "whatever was necessary" to maintain the "peace"... Below is a painting by Mattia Preti from 1663 of Pilate trying to wash his hands of guilt... Pilate seems to be looking at the viewer in this painting with a "Who are you looking at?" expression... Who are we looking at here?
John: Today in John chapter 18 verse 38 we come across what many say is the most ironic question asked in all of history, as Jesus stands before Pilate: ""What is truth?" Pilate asked." Why is this ironic? Because Pilate asks what is truth, when Truth is standing right before him! Jesus is Truth! And Pilate couldn't see it. Below is a painting from 1890 by Russian artist Nikolay Gay titled "Quod Est Veritas?" Christ and Pilate. This is a fascinating painting! At first glance I do not like it at all, because Jesus is painted so darkly. But, maybe that's the point of this painting. Pilate is asking What is Truth? - and he cannot see the very Truth right before him! Wow. . . think there are people in our world today who see Jesus so dimly, like Pilate does in this painting? I pray you and I see Jesus much more clearly, and much more as the Light! What is truth. This is a question that is still asked today of you and me. What is truth? Who is truth?
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "Jesus before Pilate: Part I" is at this link and "Part II" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of the song "How Great Thou Art," sung here live by Donnie McClurkin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxSqm6OpwKA
Is your soul singing "How Great Thou Art?" Click here and Sing!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." "What is truth?" Pilate asked." John 18:37-38 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you realize Jesus is Truth. Pray that Jesus is your King. Pray that you are listening, trusting, and obeying Jesus.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
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