March 9th, 2024
Let’s read and prayerfully reflect on John’s Gospel chapter 18, verses 31 – 38. Recall that John is giving an eyewitness account of what occurred to Jesus in His trail before the Roman magistrate. Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.
A bit of background - Pontius Pilate, around 8 a.m., tells the Jewish religious leaders that he and Herod Antipas find Jesus innocent. Pilate wishes to release him. Unable to do so because of the crowds, he resorts to a custom at the festival to release a condemned criminal. Pilate was certain they would ask for Jesus to be released, but instead they ask for the crucifixion of Jesus and the release of Barabbas. He releases the prisoner Barabbas. He then has his soldiers severely beat and scourge Jesus.
PAUSE & REFLECT - This scene is the perfect picture of substitution. Jesus is sentenced to death & the one deserving of death (Barabbas) is set free. Now, go further in meditation to consider, “For whom did Christ die? Why did He die?” Meditate on 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.”
Whisper a prayer of awe – “Jesus, You died for me! I was released from death for my sin; You took my place. Thank You for bearing my cross and wearing my crown of thorns, Amen.”
A bit of background - Pontius Pilate, around 8 a.m., tells the Jewish religious leaders that he and Herod Antipas find Jesus innocent. Pilate wishes to release him. Unable to do so because of the crowds, he resorts to a custom at the festival to release a condemned criminal. Pilate was certain they would ask for Jesus to be released, but instead they ask for the crucifixion of Jesus and the release of Barabbas. He releases the prisoner Barabbas. He then has his soldiers severely beat and scourge Jesus.
PAUSE & REFLECT - This scene is the perfect picture of substitution. Jesus is sentenced to death & the one deserving of death (Barabbas) is set free. Now, go further in meditation to consider, “For whom did Christ die? Why did He die?” Meditate on 1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God.”
Whisper a prayer of awe – “Jesus, You died for me! I was released from death for my sin; You took my place. Thank You for bearing my cross and wearing my crown of thorns, Amen.”
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