“When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves” (Matthew 27:24).

Even leaders become afraid when they know an injustice is happening, but Pilate chose the way of expedience as many politicians do.  In sin, we often chose the way that seems right to preserve our position and status.  Jesus humbled Himself and did not fight for either His position or the status which can never be taken from Him.  Even in His trial, He shows us the way of following Him.  Seek truth and live in it, no matter the cost.

Lord, You have come to accomplish salvation for all who will believe the good news. You have given Your promise that all who follow You will inherit eternal life.  Lead all who are faithful to stand firm in the truth of Your grace no matter the cost.  Let faith be genuine and true, not bending to the politicians of this age.  None of us are innocent of Your blood Lord, for because of sin, we all have guilt; but You take that away.

Savior Jesus, take away all my sins.  Guide me into the way of everlasting life knowing that only through You am I able to come to the Father.  You enable all who believe to walk the path of righteousness.  Lead me to be faithful.  Help me to be an encouragement.  Aid me to look to You, and like You, to see others as You see them.  By Your grace, guide me to be strong in faith, weak in self-defense, and humble to do the Father’s will.  Amen.

“Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”  And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed” (Matthew 27:13-14).

How does one answer the insanity of this world which wants to deny Jesus no matter what?  Sometimes the only way is to remain silent.  The world does not want to believe the truth.  But what about you?  Will you come into truth and live a life that has been redeemed?  Will you follow the One who laid down His life so that You may take up that life and live eternally with the One who made you?

Lord, the mystery of this is great.  You have done all of this for the sake of those who will believe in You.  So great is Your love that You were willing to pay a price that none of us can truly comprehend.  Guide the faithful so that we walk with You, our Savior and Redeemer.  Let us not stand back in amazement but bow humbly in love and learn to be thankful for what You have done.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for bearing the brunt of the anger and hatred of this wicked world for my sake.  In great love You have persevered through death into life.  Lead me so that I may humbly follow where You lead.  Guide me so that I may walk in the way of life that is pleasing to the Father.  Help me to be thankful and rejoice that You have made Yourself known to me, my Lord and God.  In the privilege You have given me, teach me Your ways.  Amen.

“Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor” (Matthew 27:1-2).

The world has lived the lie that if they could get rid of God, they could do what they want.  People pretend He is not here.  Others ignore Him.  Here, they plot to crucify Him.  Be rid of the reality and live the illusion.  But this is neither true, nor sustainable.  The Creator and Sustainer of the universe IS and He will bring all things together for good for those who love Him.  The Father’s will shall be done.

Lord, there is such sadness in this world where there are so many who deny You and even reality itself.  But You have called me into light and life.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of living that is right so that I dwell in Your presence always.  You, who went to the cross for my sake, have come into my life to lift me out of the rebellion and illusions of this age.  Lead me, Lord, to do the Father’s will, no matter what it may be.

Lord Jesus, I am barely able to grasp Your willingness to go through the trial and condemnation for my sake, yet You did.  Help me to meet the trials and tribulations that will come my way so that I too am willing to live the life of faith You have given me by grace, no matter what may come.  Hold me steadfastly to the narrow way of truth, and lead me now and always according to the Father’s will.  Amen.