Matthew 27:11
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
This verse of scripture seems to be simply a description of one step in the awful process of Jesus’ crucifixion. What are we to learn from it? Jesus’ strength and sense of purpose are evident. He has accepted his fate, knowing what is coming. Even though it is painful and frightening, he knows God’s will is playing out. To us, the experience of being falsely accused, beaten and then savagely nailed to a board is beyond imagination. Jesus knows this to be God’s will, and he knows his role is vital in the completion, no matter how painful. Can we accept God’s will in our lives, no matter what?
Holy father, help me to be in close communion with you, and with your will for me. I will try my best to be brave, whatever your plan. With your help, I can endure anything. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 27:11
“You have said so”…a rhetorical response. I feel like Jesus is saying “do as you must – God‘s plan is God‘s plan”. It is very likely that it didn’t matter what his response was to Pilate, nothing would have changed the plan that was fully in motion. Jesus completely understands and accepts his fate. As Lucado points out, we can choose to reject or to accept Christ. The decision is ours.
Heavenly Father, please keep me strong in my faith. I choose to accept Christ. Please keep me on that path and never let me stray. Amen.
Matthew 27:11
This exchange between Jesus and Pilate is found in all four gospels. John's has a bit more dialog, but essentially this is what was said by Pilate and Jesus. This was really all that needed to be said. Jesus knew of his Father's plan and no words from him were going to change that. I'm sure Pilate was confused by the exchange (or lack of a real exchange). Jesus was accepting of what was going on. Could we be the same? I don't think I could--even knowing what I know.
Prayer: Gracious God, because we understand your life, your teachings, and even your death and resurrection, we follow you as best can. AMEN
Saturday, March 15th, 2025. (10th day of Advent)
Matthew 27:11
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.”
Jesus stands. before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The Jewish religious leaders are asking Pilate to condemn Jesus to death by hurling accusations. Pilate is amazed that Jesus remains silent, barely saying anything in His own defense. Jesus's silence and lack of defense facing the accusations made against him emphasizes his quiet submission to the will of God and love for us. Jesus is silent, but in control, He will not be annoyed by saving or protecting himself, so he dies for us — for you and…
Matthew 27:11
Pilate has always been a fascinating character for me. I cannot help having the sense that Pilate, at some level, knew exactly with whom he was dealing - and it scared him to death. Tragically (for him) he was too cowardly to stand for what he knew deep in his heart to be true. To our everlasting gratitude for the events of Easter morning, he dutifully played his role in God’s greater plan. Lucado raises the question to us that faced Pilate; accept this Man as Lord or not. There is no middle ground. As famously told by CS Lewis in Mere Christianity:
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often…