“Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.” Luke 15:1 NASB
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What was it about Jesus that drew sinners and the outcasts of society to Him? Tax collectors in Jesus’s day extorted money from people by demanding excessive amounts above the required payment. They were the most hated and mistrusted individuals in that day. They were earning a lucrative living by openly stealing. Note that it was not just tax collectors who were drawn to Jesus for the Bible says “and the sinners were coming near Him.”
And who were the sinners? Yes, drunkards, prostitutes, swindlers, thieves, liars, murderers and the like, “coming near Him to listen to Him.”
And who are the tax collectors and sinners in our day? I’m afraid it’s you and me. In some degree all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Ro. 3:23). And we all have a void, a deep hole in our souls that can only be filled by Jesus Christ. We were created to have a relationship with our heavenly Father, but that relationship is broken by our sin. It is an empty and nagging feeling that if you admit it; you know it is there. The tax collectors and sinners in Jesus’s day knew it was there. They didn’t want religious rules and regulations, they wanted forgiveness, and they wanted to fill the void, that deep hole in their life.
May you take the opportunity this Christmas to fill the void in your life by accepting Christ as your personal Savior. That is why He came. That is why we celebrate Christmas.
A very familiar passage of the coming Messiah is found in Isaiah chapter 9. Part of this passage reads, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” (kjv) The child Jesus was born. God’s Son Jesus was given for us. This is a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, but not the only prophecy fulfilled in this portion of scripture. There is a backstory we should also glean from it.
The prophet Isaiah was prophesying to the ten tribes of Israel of their coming destruction by the Assyrian king and his army. Having disobeyed God repeatedly after constant warnings, Israel was now about to be plundered and taken captive by Assyria. But the announcement of their pending doom also comes with a promise of peace. The land will once again be filled with glory. “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.” (Is.9:1 nlt)
Zebulun and Naphtali were the most northern tribes on the northeast border of the Sea of Galilee. Isaiah addressed them as they will be the first ones to encounter the invading Assyrian army. Dark days are ahead of them, but light is coming in the promised Messiah walking and preaching through the land of Galilee. Matthew records this fulfillment of prophecy, “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali…… the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” (Mt.4:15-16 nlt) This same light shines on our dark souls plundered by sin. It is the promise of peace and reconciliation with God through our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. God has fulfilled His promise of peace to us, have you accepted His Son who was given.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 NLT
The Christmas season not only brings joy, happiness, and hope for the New Year, but also with it comes the sadness for those who are no longer with us. There is not a year that goes by that many of us have not experience the loss of a loved one during the year. Perhaps this year more than any other there are more of us who have realized this and in increasing number. There will be empty places at the table that were once filled with warm smiling faces. Familiar voices will be heard only by captured video throughout the years that are shared. There will be some joy in the remembrance of them, but the emptiness continues to be felt and those moments when we are alone are too difficult to overcome. But, for Christians, we are not alone.
One of the most comforting verses in all of scripture is Matthew 1:23 for it says, “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Yes, God was with us in the flesh as Jesus walked the earth for thirty-three years before His death on the cross. And due to His death and resurrection, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savoir have God, the Holy Spirit with us at all times. My friend, if you’re a Christian, You’re not alone.
Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit and He has promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) We have the assurance that those who have gone on before us are in the presence of their Lord and Savior. And our Lord and Savior is with us also in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Take comfort this Christmas season that you are not alone even though the void of your loved one is real. But Jesus is also real. He knows your grief, and He is with you. He came to offer you Salvation so you will not be separated from Him forever. He came that He would be with you so that you will be not alone. He came because He loves you and He loves those who are now in His presence. You’re not alone!
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NIV
This Sunday we are at the start of the advent season. Four ‘Advent Sundays’ that lead up towards the 25th day of December, Christmas Day. Most advent calendars will begin on December 1st and count down the twenty-four days before Christmas. Great anticipation builds as the big day approaches, especially for the children in our lives. That’s not to say that adults take a passive attitude towards it, we just don’t show it as much. Well imagine waiting 6,500 years for Christmas day, it did happen and it was worth the wait.
Genesis chapter 3 gives the beginning of the story in a well-known story, Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Our first parents sinned against God spiraling the entire human race into a sin nature. Paul writes in the book of Romans, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro.3:23 niv) Sin had entered the world alienating each of us from God. We needed a way to be reconciled back to the Lord and God had a plan right from the beginning. He would send His Son Jesus to reconcile us back to Him.
God said to Satan, the evil one, there will be hostility between your seed (the spiritual descendants of Satan) and her seed (those in the family of God). “He (Jesus) will crush your head, and you (Satan) will strike his heel.” (Gen.3:15 niv) This is a portrait of the cross. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross even though Satan was allowed to inflict suffering on the savior, but as His suffering led to Jesus’ death it paid the penalty for our sin. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead assuring us of eternal life. Satan was defeated.
The promise was made. A savior was born, His name is Jesus, and He will save His people from their sins. It was a long first advent, but it came. ‘Joy to the World’ the Lord has come. Have you accepted God’s plan of salvation?
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8 NKJV
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The apostle Paul in writing to the church in Philippi admonishing them to be like minded, united in spirit, and dedicated to one purpose, used the humility of Christ as an example. Jesus, God the Son, humbled Himself while on the earth from His incarnation through to His death on the cross. He identified as wholly man while He was also wholly God. Jesus was obedient to the Father throughout His entire earthly life up to and including His crucifixion. The humility of Christ is witnessed at the beginning of His ministry on earth at His baptism by John the Baptist.
Most of us have trouble today understanding why Jesus was baptized. John, himself, questioned why Jesus came to him to be baptized. After all, John’s mission was to prepare the sinners of the world for the coming Messiah by a baptism of repentance. Jesus was no sinner and had no need of repentance. He was the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. Yet, Jesus came to him and despite John’s rejection said, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Mt. 3:15 nkjv) John obeyed and baptized Jesus, God the Son.
Jesus, in His baptism, identified with the sinners He came to save. He was the fulfillment of all righteousness as He alone is able to meet all of God’s righteous requirements. Truly the Messiah who came to save would need to be sinless and perfect in every way. Jesus would continue to live a life without sin right through the humiliation of the unjust trials, the beatings, and the public humiliation of the cross.
The humility of Christ is seen throughout the New Testament in various forms. His baptism marked the beginning of His ministry to save us which began by humbling Himself to identify with sinners. Indeed, Jesus’ baptism shows His humility.
“but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” Mark 16:6 NLT
We have come to the end of our study in the book of Mark with more than a ray of hope, but a sun filled assurance of hope that our savior lives. Christians don’t hope as the world does, we have a certainty that God’s Word is true and Jesus Christ defeated death by rising from dead assuring us of eternal life. This is good news.
Last week we ended with those who witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross, Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), Salome, and many other women who had followed Him. The Roman officer in charge exclaimed as Jesus cried out with His last breath, “This man was truly the Son of God!” (Mk.15:39 nlt) Jesus, the Son of God, had suffered a horrific death on our behalf as He took on Himself the sins of the whole world.
Since the Sabbath was about to start in a few short hours, “Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)” (Mk.15:43 nlt) Pilate granted his request after inquiring if Jesus had already died. Most men who were crucified died two or three days after being nailed to a cross. Pilate was surprised Jesus was dead. After confirming His death Pilate released Jesus’ body to Joseph who “bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.” (Mk.15:46 nlt) Some of the women who were there saw where Jesus’ body was laid and going home they prepared spices to bring to the gravesite.
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Mark records for us that the next day at sunset marking the end of the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out to buy additional spices to anoint Jesus’ body the next morning. The Jews did not embalm their dead. The women were planning to offer the spices they had prepared and purchased as an act of devotion and love. They obviously were not expecting anything other than to find a sealed grave when they got to the tomb. In fact, they even discussed on the way how would they get the stone rolled away. So, “Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’” (Mk.16:2-3 nlt) But to their surprise when they arrived, they saw the stone had already been moved aside.
The Bible says the women were shocked at what they saw as they entered the tomb. Entering through the main entryway into the fore chamber they preceded to the back into a low rectangular opening leading to the burial chamber. That is where they saw an angel in a white robe sitting on the right side. The angel said to them, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” (Mk.16:6 nlt) He then told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and He was going to Galilee and they were to meet Him there. The women left the tomb frighten and bewildered by what they had just witnessed.
We learn from the other gospel writers the women did report to the disciples all that had happen and that Jesus was alive. The disciples all doubted at first, but all came to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. Note the special attention given to Peter. “Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.” (Mk.16:7 nlt) This wasn’t addressed to Peter because he was the leader, but to reassure him that he was still one of Jesus’ disciples. This should be a great encouragement to us knowing that the Lord never gives up on us or discards us when we disobey Him and even deny Him.
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The climax to the gospel of Jesus Christ is His resurrection. He is declared the Son of God in great power. “and he (Jesus) was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Ro.1:4 nlt) Jesus was raised so we can be raised. He is alive at this very moment sitting at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus’ resurrection assures all of us eternal life who accept Him as Lord and Savior. This is the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us each Sunday in our look at the book of Mark in ‘Biblical Insights.’ I pray is has been a huge blessing!
“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” Mark 15:34 NLT
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The book of Mark as you know if you have been following along each Sunday is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news. This week as we near the end of our study we come to the reason why Jesus came down to earth, Mark writes in the tenth chapter of this book, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) Indeed, Jesus came to give up His life so we may be saved from eternal damnation and hell fire. Jesus is about to be led to the cross after being released by Pilate into the hands of Roman soldiers after the crowds selected Barabbas to go free and Jesus to be crucified. For this purpose, Christ came, to save us from our sins.
“The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment.” (Mk.15:16 nlt) The praetorium was the headquarters of the Roman Cohort and also served as the official governors residence in Jerusalem. The soldiers job was to carry out crucifixions under Pilate’s orders. They took extra time before leading Jesus up to calvary’s hill as they mocked Him as the King of the Jews. Dressing Him in a purple robe, an old military cloak to represent royalty, they weaved a crown of thorns from a prickly plant and placed it on His head. The soldiers proceeded to mock Jesus by striking Him, spitting on Him, bowing down to Him mockingly and shouting ‘Hail, King of the Jews.” After they had their fill the soldiers led Jesus out to be crucified.
Due to lack of sleep the night before and the crucial beating Jesus received by the Roman soldiers He was to weak to carry the crossbeam all condemned prisoners were to carry to their crucifixion. The soldiers forced a man named, Simon, from Cyrene a city in Libya with a large Jewish population, to carry Jesus’ crossbeam. Simon was most likely in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. An interesting note concerning his two sons being mentioned, Alexander and Rufus, we do not know much about them. Though unknown, however, they must have been well known to the people Mark was writing to because he made note of them.
“And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).” (Mk.15:22 nlt) Golgotha is an Aram. Word meaning ‘skull.’ It possibly got its name from the frequent crucifixions that took place there. As was customary, they gave Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to deaden the pain, but Jesus refused it. The solders proceeded to nail Him to the cross and divided His clothing in which they cast lots for as predicted in the Old Testament. “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” (Ps.22:18 nlt) They placed a sign above His head, which was also customary, stating the crime in which each criminal was being put to death for. Jesus’ simply said, ‘The King of the Jews.’
On each side of Jesus was a criminal, both of whom were arrested for taking part in an insurrection, which was a capital crime that carried a death sentence. We know from other gospel writers that one of them insulted Jesus by telling Him to save Himself and them, but the other criminal realizing his guilt and just punishment asked Jesus to remember him when He went into His kingdom. A lesson for each of us to take seriously that everyone is saved the same way, admitting our sin and confessing to the Lord. Failure to do so will result in not being in the Kingdom of God.
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Ridicule and insults were being tossed at the servant Jesus on the cross. From the passers-by to the religious rulers all were taunting Jesus to come down from the cross and prove Himself to be the Son of God. “Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” (Mk.15:32 nlt)
At noon the Bible says darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mk.15:33-34 nlt) Again, from a reading in the Old Testament book of Psalms, David writes “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Ps.22:1 nlt) Jesus felt the deep abandonment from His Father as God the Father cannot look upon sin. God saw the sin of the whole world placed on His Son Jesus; He could do nothing but turn His back. A price felt by Jesus that was more painful than the physical pain He endured during the crucifixion. He did that for each one of us.
Jesus then cried out loudly and breathed His last. His death was not like most who have died from crucifixion. Most would be on the cross two or three days, their bodies exhausted and slipping into unconsciousness before death. But “Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.” (Mk.15:37 nlt) Mark then records the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. There was no need any more for anyone to offer a sacrifice for sin. Christ paid that price with His own blood once and for all time. The writer of Hebrews notes, “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” (Heb.10:11-12 nlt)
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A Roman officer, who may have been the closest witness to Jesus on the cross, exclaimed after what he just saw, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mk.15:39 nlt) This officer who was in charge and seen many crucifixions knew this was no ordinary death. Jesus had the strength to call out in a loud voice, evidence that He laid down His life for us, it wasn’t taken from Him. The Roman officer was right; Jesus truly is the Son of God.
Next week we end our study in the book of Mark with the resurrection of Jesus Christ which gives us all assurance of eternal life for those of us who believe on His name. Until next week……
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” Matthew 19:21-22 NASB
Working on a jigsaw puzzle on your own or with friends and family is an enjoyable and relaxing way of putting away the cares of the world for a period of time. All the pieces eventually fit together completing the work and revealing the final product. The rewards are not only the finished product, but what was accomplished along the way. How many times have you got near the end of working your puzzle and realized you do not have all the pieces to complete it, in fact you’re missing only one piece. The last piece making it complete.
Our lives are like a giant jigsaw puzzle with the pieces falling into place throughout the years. For many of us there is a sense of urgency to feel complete in our lives. Despite what successes we may have there is this feeling that there is a piece missing making us incomplete. This feeling is two-fold, first of all we are created in the image of God, and whether we admit it or not, there is a longing to be united with our creator, and second we are created as spiritual beings with an eternal soul, meaning after this life is over we live on, and how can we know where that will be. For our lives to be complete in this life and the next, we need the missing last piece of the puzzle.
The gospel of Matthew records the story of a rich young ruler who asks Jesus what good thing he can do to obtain eternal life. He was looking for the missing piece. Having kept all the commandments so he thought, there must be something missing, he felt incomplete. Jesus wastes no time in answering him, telling him to sell all that he has, give the proceeds to the poor, and then follow Him. The young ruler was devastated by Jesus’s answer. His yearning to find the missing piece to his feeling of emptiness was put aside in place of his present day wealth.
Jesus’s instructions are clear, both to the rich young ruler and to us today. The thought is, there must be something else we can do to please the Lord and earn our Salvation. We are good people. We obey most of the ten commandants, and are kind to our neighbors, but we still feel incomplete. What is the missing last piece of the puzzle? It is Christ alone, accepting Him as our Savior and loving Him more than all our earthly possessions. Have you found your missing last piece of the puzzle?
The question the title of this devotional asks, ‘do you believe Jesus’ words?’ will have several responses. Those who truly know Christ will say yes without reservation. Those who have a somewhat knowledge of Christ will also respond yes but with reservation. It is to those of you, I ask, what is restraining you to accept the truth of His words, and do you realize the eternal consequences if you hold to your doubts and questions? They are not debatable.
First of all, when questioning Jesus’ words, you are actually questioning the integrity and truthfulness of Jesus. If you believe some of what He says, but not all, then how can you trust what is true and what is not. It’s all according to your own opinion, is it not? Are you always right in what you assume to be true? I think not, for I know I’m not always right. Being wrong in trivial matters is not very alarming, but in life-or-death situations I hate to be wrong. I trust you feel the same way.
Jesus spoke some words that are hard to understand, but He also communicated words of simple truth to us that are straight forward and easy to comprehend. In John’s gospel Jesus is recorded as saying, “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) On judgement day Jesus says all who rejected His message are going to be judged. Again, in selective reasoning which of Jesus’ statements are true and which are not, in reality if you reject some, you really reject them all.
Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 nlt) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” (Jn.12:48 nlt) There is no picking and choosing which statements we believe and those we don’t. Do you believe Jesus’ words? It’s all or nothing!
“Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus was silent and made no reply.” Mark 14:60-61 NLT
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“Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?’” Mark 15:3-4 NLT
Jesus now deserted by His closest followers is led to Caiaphas’ house, the high priest, for His trial. Jesus’ trail is in two stages, a Jewish trial and a Roman trial. Each one comprised of three separate inquiries. In order to cover every segment of the two trials one needs to review all four gospels. Not one of the gospel writers compiled Jesus’ trials in totality, each gave more emphasis to certain portions of each stage. Here now, is Mark’s account of ‘Jesus on trial.’
“They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered.” (Mk.14:53 nlt) All the ruling Jewish leaders were present. This ruling body made up the Sanhedrin who were the ones examining this case and the charges that would be brought against Jesus. They probably met at Caiaphas’ house and at night to ensure secrecy from the people. Their goal was to find evidence to be able to put Jesus to death. Many false witnesses were brought in to collaborate their testimonies to find two or three who agree. Two or three witnesses were needed according to Jewish law for conviction. The problem was, they couldn’t find any who agreed.
The high priest decided to push Jesus for an answer to the accusations He was hearing about Himself. Caiaphas didn’t understand Jesus’ silence through these allegations. Caiaphas finally asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” (Mk.14:60 nlt) But Jesus gave no answer. Caiaphas then push Him further by asking, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mk.14:61b nlt) Jesus answered this time by saying, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mk.14:62 nlt) The high priest torn his clothes at Jesus’ response. He considered the answer as blasphemous, dishonoring the name of God. Jesus claiming to be the Messiah and having the authority only belonging to God was enough for what they were looking for to condemn Jesus. “Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses?’” (Mk.14:63 nlt) They declared Jesus guilty and deserving of death. They preceded to mock Him, spit on Him, and beat Him before sending Him on to Pilate.
Meanwhile, Peter is in the courtyard having followed the crowd to Caiaphas’ house. Standing by the fire in the chill of the night air he is noticed by a servant girl who confronted him saying this man has been with Jesus. Peter denied it. She began telling others, but again he denied it. Then a third time, “A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.’ Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!’” (Mk.14:70-71 nlt) Immediately, the rooster crowed and Peter remembered Jesus’ words telling him that ‘before the rooster crows you will deny me times.’ At this Peter went out and weep bitterly.
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The scene now shifts to the early morning hours where a second meeting of the Sanhedrin takes place to legitimize the trial and Jesus’ guilty verdict. It was illegal to hold a trial at night, so they sort of made it official in the morning light. They also had no authority from the Roman government to carry out capital punishment. Jesus had to be brought before Pilate. “Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire high council—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.” (Mk.15:1 nlt)
Pilate had only one concern as Jesus was brought to him by the Jewish rulers, was He asserting Himself to be king. Pilate asked Him, ‘“Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus replied, ‘You have said it.’” (Mk.15:2 nlt) The leading priests were continuing to throw accusations of many crimes committed by Jesus. It wasn’t uncommon for multiple charges to be made in a criminal case. Again as with Caiaphas, Pilate was confused why Jesus wouldn’t answer back against those charges. But Jesus didn’t utter a word.
During the Passover celebration it was Pilate’s custom to release a prisoner of the peoples choice. Pilate knew that the religious rulers brought Jesus to him out of envy. This was Pilate’s out, for he knew Jesus was innocent. But the leading priests stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas, an insurrectionist and a murderer. When Pilate then asked. ‘“Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why?’ Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!’” (Mk.15:12-14 nlt) When Pilate saw he was getting nowhere; he appeased the crowd by releasing Barabbas, the murderer, and handing Jesus over to be crucified.
It is very much like our current day. Crowds can be stirred up to participate in the cruelest acts. Releasing the guilty and punishing the innocent. We live in a world that is corrupted by sin. Its influence is seen and felt every day. The world has a sin problem; we have a sin problem. As unjust as Jesus’ trials were, it was God’s plan of salvation for each one of us who believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus accepted His Father’s will and remained silent letting the trial come to completion leading to cross where we pick it up next week……….
Word for the Soul 