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When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus Christ,
Matthew 27:1-26
The outrage of the gospel story continues. The people were so filled with anger towards Jesus that when given the choice of releasing Him or a known criminal; one who was a murderer, they wanted the murderer released. We hear how Pilate washed his hands, a symbolic action to demonstrate one’s disapproval and innocence of a situation. The problem is that although Pilate did not want to condemn Jesus and put Him to death, he cannot wash his hands of the situation. Neither can we. Although Pilate did not desire Jesus’ death; though we as Jesus’ disciples don’t desire His death, our sins are what required His blood as a payment before God.
The outrage of the gospel story continues. The people were so filled with anger towards Jesus that when given the choice of releasing Him or a known criminal; one who was a murderer, they wanted the murderer released. We hear how Pilate washed his hands, a symbolic action to demonstrate one’s disapproval and innocence of a situation. The problem is that although Pilate did not want to condemn Jesus and put Him to death, he cannot wash his hands of the situation. Neither can we. Although Pilate did not desire Jesus’ death; though we as Jesus’ disciples don’t desire His death, our sins are what required His blood as a payment before God.
The scandal is that while the true Son of God, innocent of all things was put to death, it is through that action we who are filled with sin are set free, and made to be sons and daughters of the Father. Through it all our Lord remains silent because of His great love for us, and because of His faithful obedience to the Father. He desires the great exchange to take place. His life in exchange for ours. Christ is indeed our ransom.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus Christ,
Thank You for Your willing sacrifice - Your life for our ransom. Continually lead us to Your Cross so that we will never lose sight of the Truth that our ransom has been paid [IN FULL]. We have been set free. Amen.
