Read John 19:1-16
From Death To Life.
Pilate had Jesus flogged – whipped with sharp items at the end of the whip. A crown of thorns was placed on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and mocked him by praising him as a king of the Jews. They slapped him in the face several times. They had a rod and hit him in the head several times.
Afterwards, Pilate brings Jesus out and says I find no fault in him. The crowd shouted crucify him. “He claims to be the Son of God!”
Upon hearing this, Pilate was afraid and asked Jesus privately, “Where do you come from?” But Jesus gave no answer. In frustration Pilate said, “Don’t you know I have the power to either free you or crucify you?” Jesus responded, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Pilate was persistent to set Jesus free but the crowd pressured him until he handed Jesus over to be crucified.
This whole time, Jesus was taking our punishment upon himself so we could have forgiveness of sins. It was necessary for him to be punished and crucified and to be raised from the dead so we too could be raised from the death that awaits us. Thank you Jesus for paving a way for me to live.
Pilate faced so much pressure to go against what he believed in his heart. He gave in to the pressure of the world. Lord, I know the life you have called me to. Forgive me when I give into the pressure of the world. Help me to be set apart and to be different. Help me to be a message of Hope for the hurting and the dying so they can be raised from the sin of death.
