Good morning! Have you ever been accused of something you did not do? Have you ever been accused of something you did do, but just didn’t say anything? Well today we will continue in Matthew 27, with Jesus standing as the accused. Enjoy today’s reading and your day.
“11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him. Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.” Matthew 27: 11-13 NLT
While the book of Matthew focuses on this trial and the kingship of Jesus, the book of Luke 23:6-12 and John 18:33-37 provide more information on Jesus’ trial with Herod and Pilate.
Now Jesus was convicted for the statements that were made in Matthew 26:63-64, which was consistent with Pilates question in verse 11 above. However, all the other accusations that the priests and elders listed were not the reason why Jesus was on trial (remember the false witnesses in chapter 26), which may explain Jesus’ silence.
There were some many people against Jesus. It amazes me because many of the people saw Jesus heal the sick and restore sight to the blind, etc., but they refused to believe and receive Jesus. Even today, people experience the goodness, grace and mercy of God, but still refuse to follow him.
Praise God that hind sight is usually 20/20, where we can now see the goodness of God and the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We no longer need to live in bondage to the world, but there is freedom in Christ Jesus – the Messiah. Will you believe and receive?
Father God, you are the creator of all things. Lord, you know our hearts and actions. Lord, thank you for being patient with us. Lord, you give so freely to us. Lord, help us during times of testing or being judged by others. Lord, keep us steadily focused on your love for us. Lord, keep us bold in our beliefs and hope in you. Lord, protect and keep us from the wolves that attempt to devour us. Lord, calm our spirit and anxious thoughts. Lead us on the path that leads us straight to you. Lord, be with our communities as they mourn and feel a sense of loss. Lord, you know the tragedies and senseless violence that occurs in cities and the hidden terrors of racism that plague the world. Lord, we need your hand to revive our country and heal this land. Lord, draw us together as Christians to make an impact on communities and organizations that tempt to divide us as people. Lord, nothing is impossible for you. Lord, snatch the bitter roots from the past and burn them like wheat fields so that racism and division will end. Lord, change our hearts, connect us in solidarity with Jesus Christ teaching us how to love God with all our heart, mind and soul; and love our neighbors as ourselves. Lord, help us to do our part in healing the land. Lord, continue change us. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!
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