Jesus is now on trial for his life. Those in authority, Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod Antipas, king over the Galilean region, could find nothing wrong with Jesus. They would have been happy to have him flogged and released. They were at least of the right mind – Jesus was not a criminal deserving of death.
What happens next is the crowd turns against Jesus and a death sentence results. Where did that crowd come from? They can’t be the same people who were singing praise and hanging on Jesus’ every word just hours and days before, could it? Perhaps this was a different crowd? I’ve seen it portrayed that the “good guys” are kept out of the courts that day, and it is only the rebels and friends of Barabbas who gain access.
However it plays out, the priests and leaders have gotten what they wanted. Jesus will be killed and no longer able to teach, preach and distract the people from living holy lives under their watch. The manipulation and interpretation of God’s law can now continue without interference from the Galilean!
Little did they know that the grave would not–could not hold Jesus down. Death was a necessary step, and Satan was going to take every opportunity to use it for his own purposes. We have the benefit of knowing the outcome and what happened just three short days from the crucifixion!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We are walking through Holy Week together. It doesn’t matter whether you are reading this in the “actual” week before Easter, as I am for this reflection, or in the future as a reader of this website. I believe that when you read this particular portion of the Bible, no matter what time of year, you are always thrown back, as they would say, to that time and place. A realignment of your priorities is always a good thing!
That being said, take a moment to think about your response to the devil’s schemes in your life. You know where things are uncomfortable, empty, scary, or uncertain. Do you think that’s God’s plan for you? You’re right, it’s not. He wants so much more for you. But schemes abound.
Don’t stay stuck in the tomb! You’ve got that power of God in you to break through these chains, this bondage.
How are you going to respond to your opposition today?
Let’s pray. Lord, there are some things that are totally out of my control, and I have to let them go. Why do I hold on so tightly? I begin to tell myself things that are untrue and most definitely limit my own potential. Thank you for setting me free from that. Thank you for the opportunity to do something different, to stare the evil one in the face and laugh. You are a great God of provision, and your forgiveness means so much to me, words cannot describe. Lord, use me today to reach those who need to hear. May my message of hope be what they need to take a step toward making a better life for themselves. Work through our business, and may our parents, children, grandchildren and beyond be blessed by the provisions you have for us. Thank you for your loving sacrifice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
