Day 31

His arrest and crucifixion...

Luke 23:4-16 NIV84

Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."

But they insisted, "He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here."

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends --- before this they had been enemies.

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and 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. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him."

What did Pilate tell the crowd? How was this verdict received?

Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod? What was the outcome?

Both Pilate and Herod hesitated to use their authority to oppose the Jews for fear of complaints reaching Rome and putting their positions at risk. What was Jesus's response throughout?

Jesus, the only One with true authority and an eternal Kingdom, threatens every other kingdom. We all have a tendency to protect our realm of influence, rather than surrender to His --- some avoid Him, some simply use Him for their pleasure, while others want to dispose of Him altogether. What about you? Have you surrendered? Or are you defending the illusion of self rule?

Jesus, secure in Your position, You endured injustice and mocking without retaliating. Help me to be confident of my position in You and trust You with whatever comes. Reveal any areas in my life that I am protecting as "mine," I want to be completely surrendered to You.

I did not hide my face from mocking... Because the Sovereign Lord helps me. I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.

Isaiah 50:6-7 NIV84