Holy Week
Day 5
Matthew 27:17- 18&27-31
Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Chris?"... Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, they put a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him saying, "Hail the King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him they took the robe off Him and put His own clothes on Him and led Him away to be crucified.
Jesus identifies with us in suffering
On the cross Jesus said, "It is finished" and it is, AMEN! One of the things about the Passion of Jesus that we sometimes miss is that He was beaten, humiliated, and then murdered. Pilate knew we are told that they gave Him up because of envy yet allowed Him to go through this and yes for our salvation but there is more here. Jesus, of all people knows what it is like to be wronged, to be mistreated, falsely arrested, and mocked in public. The government and the governor failed at upholding justice and participated in it. Why is this important to you and I? Because we all at times living in a fallen world have been wronged or had an injustice carried out against us. Maybe even by someone who should have made sure it shouldn't happen. I can go to Jesus with these things and He can bring healing because He truly understands what it is like to have these things happen and we can find grace and help in a time of need. When I was young my grandfather gave me a seedling Jujube tree and he told me that this is what Jesus' crown of thorns was made from. He was right it was. The thorns are inches long, see the picture, and that crown was one that was worn on that day for us. The via dolorosa the way of suffering. Maybe you are suffering from hurts and wounds and more. Go to Jesus who knows and cares. Ps 147.
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