A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Matthew 27:15-26

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.

I've been sitting here staring at this passage of scripture. I had to go back and read it a second time. Then, I needed to read it in a second translation. It's hard to understand, right? From our perspective, it just doesn't make sense.

Should Jesus Christ (the Savior) or Barabbas (a murderer) be released from death row?

Or course, Jesus!

But, the crowd of Jews fought for the Savior to be killed and the murderer to go free. From our vantage point, it just seems wrong.

Actually, Pilate agreed with me. He nor his wife could believe it. He wasn't going to argue with the ravenous group of people, though. He turned Jesus over to the mob to be killed and watched a dangerous villain escape to freedom.

None of this makes sense for Barabbas, and it doesn't make sense for me. My Jesus continued His journey all the way to death so that I could escape and live free.

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow."

Aren't you thankful, girls! Where would we be if Pilate had insisted on pardoning Jesus?

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 4 Act of Kindness

“I needed clothes and you clothed me” Matthew 25:36a

This week, donate clothing to a thrift store or homeless shelter.