Word@Work 194 - Mark 15:9-11
Published: Fri, 08/22/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 15:9-11 "Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. (NIV)
Here is the anxious voice of a man on the horns of a dilemma. Pilate knew that the religious leaders did not want Jesus released, but His freedom was one of Pilate's very few options to get out of this mess with some dignity. This Roman official, who was expected to uphold the high principles of Roman justice, had heard no compelling evidence of treason, or any other crime. He could see clearly through their pseudo legal waffle, to a fleet of embittered hearts firing broadsides at Jesus. But execution was his decision alone.
Devious people are rarely honest about their duplicity: they hide behind others, and best of all - behind a crowd. When the crowd made their united demands, the chief priests merely looked sanctimonious and claimed that it was really the people who had made this decision - they were simply there to represent the people! The dreadful thing was that Pilate was not taken in at all - he could see right through the plot ... but he had no moral courage to make the right decision. Some may call that weakness, but really it was a bigger problem: Pilate wanted desperately to hold onto his own power more than be true to Jesus.
Real honesty is a rare commodity, anywhere. It is seen best where there is true love. But in this court the only love on display was that of Jesus - for His captors and His judge. He was following the way of the old prophets, who suffered for saying the truth. He had already given His blessing on those disciples who would do the same (Matthew 5:11-12). So when injustice comes to you, remember that Jesus fully understands, and has pronounced blessing over you. It does not stop evil being evil, but it certainly encourages us to make very different choices to that of Pilate.
Prayer: Gracious Lord. When evil overflows, Your grace overflows more! Thank you for fully understanding the pain of rejection and brokenness, and the disappointment that comes as people fail to make right choices. Help me not to be one of them. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Here is the anxious voice of a man on the horns of a dilemma. Pilate knew that the religious leaders did not want Jesus released, but His freedom was one of Pilate's very few options to get out of this mess with some dignity. This Roman official, who was expected to uphold the high principles of Roman justice, had heard no compelling evidence of treason, or any other crime. He could see clearly through their pseudo legal waffle, to a fleet of embittered hearts firing broadsides at Jesus. But execution was his decision alone.
Devious people are rarely honest about their duplicity: they hide behind others, and best of all - behind a crowd. When the crowd made their united demands, the chief priests merely looked sanctimonious and claimed that it was really the people who had made this decision - they were simply there to represent the people! The dreadful thing was that Pilate was not taken in at all - he could see right through the plot ... but he had no moral courage to make the right decision. Some may call that weakness, but really it was a bigger problem: Pilate wanted desperately to hold onto his own power more than be true to Jesus.
Real honesty is a rare commodity, anywhere. It is seen best where there is true love. But in this court the only love on display was that of Jesus - for His captors and His judge. He was following the way of the old prophets, who suffered for saying the truth. He had already given His blessing on those disciples who would do the same (Matthew 5:11-12). So when injustice comes to you, remember that Jesus fully understands, and has pronounced blessing over you. It does not stop evil being evil, but it certainly encourages us to make very different choices to that of Pilate.
Prayer: Gracious Lord. When evil overflows, Your grace overflows more! Thank you for fully understanding the pain of rejection and brokenness, and the disappointment that comes as people fail to make right choices. Help me not to be one of them. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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W@W194 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
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Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, August 26, 2008