Fresh Start Devotionals

Brutality How did it come to this? Why this brutal cruelty? What were the events that led to this great travesty of justice? Well, it all began with a conspiracy among religious leaders. (Matt 27:1–2) After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the religious leaders knew their days were numbered if they didn’t do something about Jesus (John 11:45–48). One meeting led to another and now their conspiracy was leading to firm plans—Plans that couldn’t even be stopped by the remorse of Judas. (Matt 27:3–6) Apathetic? Yes, they exercised great apathy to Judas’ remorse and his declaration that Jesus was innocent. But they still cared about their rules. They were willing to pay Judas (Matthew 26:14–15) for murder, but they weren’t willing to take the money back—that, in their view, would just be wrong. Hello? Conspiracy to do wrong led to an apathy toward the truth. Pilate sized this crowd up with a single four-letter word: envy (Matthew 27:17–18) I guess they’d gone to far to turn back now. Next this group became accusers, (Matthew 27:12–14) and enter into collusion with the crowd to ask for Jesus’ blood and release Barabbas. (Matthew 27:20) By now, I’m afraid they are believing their own lies. Just when you think they couldn’t stoop any lower—they do. They stoop low enough to slander Him, calling him a deceiver (Matthew 27:62–64). Ultimately, all their maneuvering led to his brutal death on the cross. What do you think men like this deserved? I vote for the hottest place in Hell, how about you? Not Jesus. He prayed for their forgiveness. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34 NIV) Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).