Today we read Mathews account of Judas’ death, Pilate’s attempt at not executing Jesus, the crucifixion itself and the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea.  As you read these words, how does it make you feel?  Do you find yourself feeling no sadness for the despair felt by Judas as he realised the consequences of his actions?  Do you think what a weak man Pilate was in reality in his failing to stand up to the Jewish elders and the chanting crowds?  Or perhaps you are full of anger that the spotless lamb of God was so unjustly executed and in such a horrific way?  And then there’s the soldiers who played a game to win the outer garments of Jesus, having mocked him, taunted him and put a sign over His head proclaiming His being ‘The King of the Jews’?  Or is there just a deep ache in your heart that the Jewish people, their elders included, simply couldn’t see what seems so obvious today?  That Jesus is the Messiah!  I openly admit that during my faith journey so far, I have felt all of these things. But then my eyes opened and my heart softened. All of these things were the will of Him who sent Jesus to us, to be our redeemer, Saviour and way back into the presence of God. All of those we read about had a part to play in the fulfilling of prophecy and ultimately in our certainty of life everlasting.

To read such a vivid account of the execution of anyone is hard, but to know that the victim was totally and utterly innocent of all the accusations made can be difficult to reconcile. But as we read, we should be loving all of those who played their part, not least Jesus himself, who could most definitely have saved Himself, but instead chose to sacrifice Himself for all of your sins and mine and all the sins we are yet to commit.

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Action:

Look deeply into your heart and reflect on the emotions you feel as you read todays passage…be honest with yourself and Him who knows your deepest thoughts and fears and lay aside any blame you may feel.

Prayer:

Father God. You alone know my heart and I pray that you would enable me to see the joy that Jesus sacrifice brings.  Thank you for my salvation and the pain I feel for every sin I commit which holds Him on the cross. Help me I pray to be more Christ like every day. For His names’ sake. Amen.