Christ Church Daily Devotion March 2 2024

Pilate had the custom of releasing a prisoner chosen by the crowd during the festival. He offered to release Jesus, who was called the Messiah, or Barabbas, a well-known prisoner. Pilate's wife warned him not to harm Jesus, but the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to choose Barabbas and have Jesus executed. The crowd chose Barabbas and wanted Jesus crucified. Pilate was surprised by their decision. Choosing to follow Jesus separates us from those who live by worldly ways. We still have to make that choice today. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for March 2nd, 2024. Today we will be reading from Matthew chapter 27 verses 15 through 22. Now it was the governor's custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus and Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah? For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. 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. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. Which of the two do you want me to release to you? asked the governor. Barabbas, they answered. What shall I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah? Pilate asked. They all answered, Crucify him. Matthew is the only gospel writer who tells us the first name of Barabbas. He is also named Jesus. During the Passover festival, it had become a tradition that Pilate would release a prisoner. I do not know if he always gave the people a choice on which prisoner would be freed. I doubt it. But he saw an opportunity here. He really wanted to release the rabbi. The Jewish leadership had brought to him. And he most likely assumed he would be the obvious choice of the people if he gave them a vote. So he asked, Do you want the murderer released or this teacher? But the people surprised him. It would be interesting to know what the chief priests and elders said to persuade the people toward their decision. Surely the crowd was at least somewhat divided anyway. But apparently the majority was louder. They wanted Jesus Barabbas. They wanted the one who would make an effort to defeat the Romans. Jesus Christ had claimed to be the Messiah. But he wasn't making any effort to overcome their enemies. So they no longer had any use for him. When we choose to follow Jesus and when we live by his teachings, An example, we separate ourselves from those who choose to live by the ways of this world. The day in Jerusalem the people had to choose which Jesus they wanted. You and I still have to make that choice today. Your personal worship option today is to offer this prayer or one like it in your own words. Holy God, thank you for the freedom and invitation to choose to live your way and be part of your kingdom. Give me courage to keep following you. Even when it separates me from others who reject you. Guide me in how to help them change their mind. In Jesus name, amen.