Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Jesus before Pilate





3.25.2015 Wednesday of Lent 5                 Mark 15:1-15 Jesus before Pilate


Jesus before Pilate

Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pilate, hoping to get a death penalty conviction from him. The world does not understand the kingdom of God, where God rules by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, nor does the world understand its King. Jesus endures His trial silently, without making a legal defense. He willingly goes to the cross for us.

Despite knowing that Jesus is innocent, Pilate condemns Him to death by crucifixion under pressure from the Jewish leadership and the crowds. Even though Pilate wanted to release Jesus, he sentences Him to death to keep himself out of trouble. Often, Christians face similar temptations to act contrary to God’s Word and will for their own safety. We can pray that the Lord would grant us courage to trust His will and share His will. He has promised to give us His Holy Spirit to strengthen us for every challenge.[2] 

Jesus, the innocent victim is sentenced to death – a death He did not deserve – yet a death He will bear for your salvation. In the most blessed Sacrament, which He instituted before His arrest, you receive the tokens of His sacrifice – His body, broken - His blood, shed - that you might receive absolution and clemency for your offenses.  Thus we are moved to pray, “O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us and grant us Your peace.”

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]




[3] Collect for Wednesday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm




[1] Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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