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]
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