Be Still: Dear Father, even though Jesus was completely innocent, He was rejected by those He came to save. Please give us the strength to endure rejection for Your sake. In Jesus’ name, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen
Be Strengthened: Luke 23:13-21
13Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."
18With one voice they cried out, "Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!" 19(Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
Be Stretched: Pilate was not a nice man. Even though he knew Jesus was innocent, he still planned to punish Him before releasing Him. As Christ-followers, we encounter not-nice people, too. We may be punished, even if we have done nothing wrong. Barabbas, who was also not a nice person, was released. As with everything else surrounding Jesus’ arrest, this was unjust. How does it feel when justice is not done? Ponder what it takes to be able to endure injustice for the sake of Jesus.
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