Lenten Devotional - 24 Hours that Changed the World

John 18:28-38
After Jesus had been betrayed, the religious leaders led Jesus to the palace of Pilate. They wanted Jesus convicted of charges of blasphemy. In order to get a death sentence for Him, they took Him to the local Roman governor- Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor from around A.D. 26 to 36 and was unpopular with the Jewish people.
When Jesus was brought to Pilate, the nature of the chief priests’ hearts quickly came apparent. Their hearts had been hardened to Christ’s message. The Jewish leaders did not want to enter the palace. They feared if they entered the house of a Gentile, they would become defiled and not be able to eat the Passover feast or worship at the temple. Therefore, Pilate went out to them and wanted to know what charges they had against Jesus.
Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world-His kingdom was from another place. Jesus explained that He was born into this world to be a king. His authority as king wasn’t of physical force but of spiritual truth. Jesus said, “You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this very reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate did not want to judge the case and initially refused to sentence Jesus. Pilate heard enough to know that Jesus was not a threat. Pilate wanted to avoid making the Jewish leaders angry, and yet he didn’t want to give in to crucifying an innocent man.
For him to condemn Jesus was for him to condemn the truth. Pilate wanted the leaders to take responsibility and give Him a lesser sentence or let Him go. The Jews objected to Pilate’s decision and were determined to have Jesus killed.
In today’s reading, John reminds us that everything he described took place in accordance with the divine plan. The prophecy that Jesus would be lifted up was fulfilled. Jesus never deserved any cruel treatment. Jesus’ goal was to bring heaven’s glory to us. He lived to honor His Father in heaven and fulfill His will on earth. His death was a sacrifice that gives us hope for eternal life.
Prayer:

Dear God,
Please speak to us through your scriptures.
Thank you that your word is true. We put our trust in you.
In Jesus’ name~ Amen.

Amy Baker