Luke 23:22-23
For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.
“Almost” really isn’t good enough when it comes to doing the right thing. Sometimes the consequences are small or unknown to us, but the consequences could also be huge. We don’t know the future, and we certainly don’t know all the details of God’s will, nor his plan. But we do know how to do the right thing.
Lord, help me to see the right path, when I have a choice. Open my eyes that I may see your good and perfect will. Amen
Becky, transforming
Monday, March 17th, 2025 (12th day of Lent)
Luke 23:22-23
A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.
With Jesus standing before him, Pilate faced a terrible dilemma. He found Christ innocent, yet the “powers that be” wanted Him crucified—and only he could give the order. Pilate lacked the courage to do what was right, choosing to crucify an innocent man rather than face the costs. Pilate chose his reputation over what was right… Would you and I still choose Jesus or…
Luke 23:22-23
Our attention remains focused on Pilate in today’s reading. Even though the Holy Spirit was working on him, he chose the politically expedient path and caved in to the mob shrieking for Jesus’ murder. Despite what he knew to be true in his heart, he declined to use his authority to free the innocent Man before him but kept trying to compromise with the bloodthirsty mob. His show of “washing his hands” of the consequences of Jesus’ condemnation stands as an eternal symbol of pathetic, buck-passing cowardice. I feel sorry for him at some level.
Prayer - Merciful God, do not let me fall into the trap of turning my back on Jesus to please people or ingratiate…