Day 38 – He is Merciful 

It must have been one confusing day for Pilate. Over and Over in the gospel of John, Pilate brings Jesus back to the High Priest and council. I am sure his mind is spinning over why they wanted this man to die. He must have thought if he allowed the soldiers to beat Him, flog Him, mock Him with a crown of thorns and a robe of purple that the High Priest and council would be satisfied. They were not. They cried out “Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them 3 times, “I find no guilt in Him.” Imagine that, these religious men hand Jesus over to the gentile court hoping these heathens would be glad to just kill someone. No, this gentile judge finds no fault in Jesus. Pilate must have been in a spiritual whirlwind standing there with Jesus – rejected and sent to die. In John 19, Pilate becomes afraid because of what these men are saying, it’s their reason for wanting Jesus crucified, it has Pilate fearful. What if He really was the Son of God?

John 19:7-8 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” ⁸ When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

It is overwhelming to me that Jesus submitted Himself to this treatment. The sinless Son of God willingly went to the death for us. Pilate would go on to say, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not answer him. Pilate said, “Will you not answer me?Do you not know that I have authority to release you and to crucify you?” Pilate didn’t want to kill Him. He argued with Jesus. He pleaded with the Jews and sought to release Jesus. This must have been an agonizing and weighty decision. Pilate wanted to let him go, he would have more mercy on Him than those who were named by the One who is merciful. Jesus didn’t fight the crucifixion. It would be our victory! – Tweet That!

PRAYER: Jesus, You didn’t fight, so that, I would have a fighting chance at life. Thank you!

Have you seen the mercy of God in your life? Have you had one too many close calls? Jesus tasted death, so that, the mercy that He didn’t receive, became yours. He took the beatings. He took the mocking words and acts. He did it all for you!

Thanks for Listening,

Starla