Jesus & Pilate

JESUS & PILATE

Join your Calvary Chapel family tomorrow (Sunday, 3/30, 10:00 a.m.) in the main sanctuary or on our website (www.calvaryinv.com

), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we continue our study in Matthew’s Gospel (27:1-26).

It is morning. Jesus had spent the entire last evening being shuttled between the High Priest’s house and his Father-in-law. Caiaphas was infuriated and frustrated more than he had ever been. No matter what they said or did, there was no way to trick Jesus into perjuring Himself.

Finally, when Caiaphas was about to call it a night, Jesus responded when put under oath. He declared Himself to be the Son of God. That was all they needed. The Sun had risen, and now he must quickly bring Jesus to Pilate. Their trial had been unlawful, but with careful planning and a little luck, all they had done would be covered up and soon forgotten.

Jesus was hauled into the palace where Pilate was staying. The Governor usually stayed in Caesarea, but because it was Passover, the city was ripe for unrest. Rome demanded peace, so Pilate had to make an annual appearance. He despised Jerusalem, the Jews, and their religion. He made it his mission to do everything he could to make their lives miserable.

When Jesus appeared before Pilate, he was amazed at His poise, dignity, and quiet strength. When he looked into Jesus’ eyes, love oozed from them. Pilate didn’t know what to think. He had never seen or experienced anything like it. He was used to men begging for their lives, lying, bragging, and promising to do anything to stay alive. But Jesus said nothing.

The pressure was growing. The Sanhedrin had mobilized the mob, the same that had welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They screamed and demanded that Pilate should crucify Him. When Pilate asked why, the mob shouted louder. Their voices were deafening.
Finally, when Pilate realized they weren’t going to stop, he handed Jesus over to be crucified. A Man who had never committed a crime or wronged anyone. His crime was that He claimed to be the God of the Jews.

May Jesus’ teaching fill our hearts with the knowledge of His word, prepare us to receive Him, equip us to share the gospel with anyone who will listen, and keep our eyes and hearts open to His imminent return.
In His Strong Love,
Pastor

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