Who’s right

While Pilate was sitting in the judgement hall, his wife sent him a message: ‘Have nothing to do with that innocent man, because in a dream last night I suffered much on account of him.’
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask Pilate to set Barabbas free and have Jesus put to death.
But Pilate asked the crowd, ‘Which one of these two do you want me to set free for you?’
‘Barabbas!’ they answered. (verses 19-21)

Read Matthew 27:11-23

‘She did it!’
‘No, he did it!’
‘She did it first!
‘But he started it!’

How often have you heard, or participated in, a useless no-­win argument. After a while the origins of the argument are lost and only the hurt feelings remain.

The feelings were high when Pilate had to face the angry Jews. They didn’t want to hear about Jesus’ innocence, especially from a Roman or his dreaming wife. They were hurting, because they felt that Jesus had mocked their ways and defiled their beliefs. They did not want to hear the truth or have their portion of the blame aired at all.

And yet it was through this huge injustice that the ultimate conflict was resolved. Through his resurrection, Jesus defeated death and its power over you. Through God’s victory and by his

grace you will live with him forever—and there will be no argument about that!

You have defeated death, Lord. Help me to live in the light of your victory and serve you all of my days. Amen.

by Kathy Hoopman, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.