Today is Good Friday which speaks of agony, betrayal, arrest with swords and staves; even saying in Matthew 26:65-68 -- "Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard His blasphemy.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him; and others smote Him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee?"
The Scripture continues with the denial of Peter, the Sanhedrin delivering Jesus to Pilate, and Jesus being interrogated by Pilate. Matthew goes on to give us Barabbas being released, and our King, Jesus, being crowned with thorns and led away to crucifixion!
But as I have read and meditated on these last events in Jesus' earthly ministry this week, I have been drawn over and over to Jesus standing before Pilate at the judgment seat. Verse 19 of chapter 27 says: "When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him". But the multitude was screaming for the release of Barabbas!
The answer of Pilate is what has haunted my mind down through the week -- "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ"? It is a personal question that each of us must answer!
I trust that as we look forward to celebrating the Resurrection this Sunday morning, you will be able to sing from the depths of your heart:
"You ask me how I know He lives -- He lives within my heart"!!!
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