The Judgment Against Jesus

We Worship God
A Guide for Worship Leaders:
Christ is Risen!

Matthew 27:15-26 (The Message)

 ^15-18It was an old custom during the Feast for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At the time, they had the infamous Jesus Barabbas in prison. With the crowd before him, Pilate said, "Which prisoner do you want me to pardon: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?" He knew it was through sheer spite that they had turned Jesus over to him.
 ¹⁹While court was still in session, Pilate's wife sent him a message: "Don't get mixed up in judging this noble man. I've just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him."
 ²⁰Meanwhile, the high priests and religious leaders had talked the crowd into asking for the pardon of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.
 ²¹The governor asked, "Which of the two do you want me to pardon?"
   They said, "Barabbas!"
 ²²"Then what do I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?"
   They all shouted, "Nail him to a cross!"
 ²³He objected, "But for what crime?"
   But they yelled all the louder, "Nail him to a cross!"
 ²⁴When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, "I'm washing my hands of responsibility for this man's death. From now on, it's in your hands. You're judge and jury."
 ²⁵The crowd answered, "We'll take the blame, we and our children after us."
 ²⁶Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.

For Reflection
I used to think that few people had a choice to end Jesus's life.  It was as though each acted his part in a play scripted by God.  But as I think again about the Passion, the players were free to choose -- even Judas and Peter.

Pilot had a choice.  He chose to turn away.
The priests had a choice.  They chose to incite the crowd to kill.
The crowd had a choice.  They chose to execute Jesus.
Jesus had a choice.  He chose to offer himself.
We all have a choice. Whom do you choose -- the way of the world or the way Christ taught?

Pray
that the sacrifice Christ made for you frees you to act in accordance with the example set in the life of Christ.  Pray that you consistently choose to be a vehicle for God's grace.