MONDAY, MARCH 26
Luke 23:1-25
Exodus 12:3-14

“Your lamb shall be
without blemish…”

BEFORE THE SECULAR COURT

Pilate was the sixth Roman procurator, specially sent from Rome to manage the affairs of Judea. The Jewish leaders and the whole multitude led Jesus to Pilate. These multitudes were probably the same people who welcomed Him during the triumphal entry. The leaders falsely accused Jesus of perverting the nation and of forbidding giving tribute to Caesar. “Pervert” implied that Jesus had changed the laws and turned the people from the Jews’ traditions.

Pilate, an experienced judge, found no fault with Jesus. By these declarations, Pilate confirmed the prophecy of the Messiah as the perfect Lamb of God to be sacrificed for our sins (Exod 12:5).

As was his practice to release a prisoner every Passover, Pilate chose to release Jesus. The people instead asked for Barabbas’ release. He was imprisoned for rebellion and murder, and had fought for the Jews’ independence from the Romans. Their hope in Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom to liberate them from the Roman oppression vanished and their disappointment turned to hatred. Pilate gave in to the people’s voice. He desired to release Jesus but, to please the Jews, he delivered Him to their will.

In between the two interrogations in Pilate’s court, Jesus, being a Galilean, was sent to Herod Antipas, the one who beheaded John the Baptist. Herod was the governor of the region of Galilee. He was in Jerusalem because of the important feast. He had long desired to see Jesus and to witness His miracles.

He questioned Jesus but He did not answer a word for He knew his heart. Herod’s unanswered questions led to mocking. The soldiers put a kingly robe on Jesus to make fun of Him that He was nothing but a self-declared king. They shouted loudly with false cheering. It was one of the most humiliating acts done to the Lord of the universe.

THOUGHT: Am I ready to face secular trials because of my faith?
PRAYER: Father, help me to prepare myself for whatever testing.