Pilate questions Jesus and sentences him to death: Matthew Chapter 27:11-26
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Jesus was brought before the Governor, and Pilate asked him ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘So you say,’ answered Jesus. Pilate tried to question him further, but Jesus refused to answer. This puzzled Pilate, and his anxiety grew wen his wife warned him to have nothing to do with this case. She had had a very disturbing dream regarding Jesus. How was Pilate to get out of this complicated situation?
At the time of the Passover Feast, the Roman rulers allowed the Jews to ask for one prisoner to be set free. Pilate decided to offer two prisoners, Jesus Barabbas who was a convicted bandit, and Jesus, called the Christ. This seemed an obvious choice to Pilate.
The Jewish leaders stirred the crowd. One of them yelled ‘Who should be set free?’ They all shouted ‘Barabbas!’ The leaders led the next sequence. ‘What will you do with Jesus?’ ‘Crucify him!’ came the frenzied shout. The chanting became louder, and Pilate, fearing an all-out riot, washed his hands in front of them all and declared his innocence of such a judgement. How was Pilate feeling as this trial became more and more complex? Why did he respond in the way he did?
The whole crowd answered back, ‘Let the punishment for his death fall on us and on our children.’
Then Pilate set Barabbas free and had Jesus whipped in preparation for the crucifixion.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
• Have I ever had to make a judgement on someone? Did I take the time to gather all necessary information? Did other people influence my action to the detriment of the person being judged?
• Am I inclined to ‘go with the crowd’ without weighing up all the evidence?
• Do I take my legal responsibilities seriously?
• Can I stand out from the crowd if I feel it is necessary to do so?
Prayer
Lord, I pray for all leaders, both political and religious. May they take their responsibilities seriously and discern carefully what actions need to be taken. May your wisdom and love guide their decisions for your greater glory. Amen.