Friday, March 29, 2013

Pilate


Matthew 27:11-25



Jesus before Pilate

Pilate was the Roman governor of Judah from 26-37 AD He assumed office about the time Jesus began His public ministry.  His official residence was in Caesarea. He came to Jerusalem at the time of the Passover Fest to keep the peace.  He was merciless, cruel, noted for his habitual brutality. Like the Roman emperors of his day, he enjoyed the spectacle of the torture and death of a man. At one time, he had mingled the blood of Galileans with their sacrifices. (See Luke 13:1)

Jesus lived a life of suffering; He was officially crucified under the orders of Pilate. Jesus had predicted that he would be delivered to the Gentiles to be mocked, scourged and crucified. (See Matthew 20:19) Now these words are being fulfilled. Also, the prediction that “the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of Men” (Matthew 17:22) is also being fulfilled.  Nothing is left to chance. Every prediction every prophecy, every forecast speaking about the life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ finds its reality within the context of the words of the Old Testament Scriptures. The crucifixion of Christ was planned and predicted. It was fulfilled by those who carried it out in time and space.

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family, for whom our Lord Jesus was willing to be betrayed, to be given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Woodcut used with permission © WELS 
Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids
Collect for Good Friday, Lutheran Worship, © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St Louis


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