Day 21 - Jesus before Pilate

Mark 15 v 1-15 Jesus before Pilate    
(Use the link above to get to the passage)

The road to the cross has started. The leaders have made their plans. Jesus has been accused of many things. A murderer is released. And Jesus makes no reply. The insight of Pilate is interesting to note: “knowing it was of of self-interest”. They had no desire for truth or what was best, or to seek the will of God. And the crowd are no different. The same people who shouted “Hosanna!” are now shouting “Crucify!”

Where would we have been if we had been there that night? Would our voices have been in the throng of the crowd shouting “Crucify!” along with the others? Or if they weren't, would they have been a voice of denial like Peter, or would we have simply been running away and watching from a distance? And through it all Jesus makes no reply.

Take time today to think about times when you have been in a crowd. That might be from a rally, demonstration, sport event or concert. Then imagine what it must have been like to hear them all chant crucify.

Lord Jesus, 
you were condemned to death for political expediency: 
be with those who are imprisoned 
for the convenience of the powerful. 
You were the victim of unbridled injustice: 
change the minds and motivations of oppressors 
and exploiters to your way of peace. 
To you, Jesus, innocent though condemned,
 be honour and glory with the 
Father and the Holy Spirit, 
now and for ever.
Amen.
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