Reading
SAA Notes
In this Gospel for Romans, Pilate is drawn in stark colours. His decision to crucify Jesus was formed by political expediency, and was against his understanding of Jesus’ complete innocence. How does Jesus fare today in our media and from our political leaders?
SJA Notes
* Dear God, please teach us from Your word today, as we see the Saviour of the World led to the cross.
“But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him.'”
Can you hear the crowd as they bay for blood? Ragged voices screaming for the murder of the Righteous One, God in the Person of the Son!
This was the crowd that only a week before had cried out “Hosanna!” with joy as Jesus entered the city on a colt.
This was the crowd that listened to Him teach and preach, that benefited from His healing work, that watched and consumed as He poured Himself out in pastoral ministry.
This is the crowd that cried loud for death.
In Romans 3 we read,
“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
We were all as the crowd, separated from God by that great chasm that pays no heed to wealth or power – Our sin.
Later in Romans 5 we read,
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Jesus died to save His enemies. We were His enemies. Our sin took Him to the tree.
This is our King. Our Lord.
Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
* God Above,
While we were still enemies You reconciled us to You through the death of Your Son.
Thank You!
Amen.