Good Friday
Matthew 27:19-26
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
“Barabbas,” they answered.
22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
They all answered, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Whose fault was it that Jesus was crucified?
Was it the chief priests and elders who refused to see he was God’s Messiah?
Was it Pilate who didn’t have the courage to follow his convictions?
Was it the crowd who allowed themselves to be swayed by others’ opinions?
Is it my fault for not speaking up for him and following his ways?
His blood is on all of us, it was because of us and for us that he died.
But it was also his choice, his decision. He was strong where we are weak.
Thank you Jesus that you gave your life for me, for us, for the world you love.
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