Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Verse 20
Bible Reading
Prayer
What a great sacrifice you gave to us in the form of your Word made flesh. When the Hebrews lost their way, you provided your Son as a guiding light. When we lose our way, Jesus is still there as a guiding light. We give praise to you that in your infinite wisdom and grace we are never forsaken. Amen
To Ponder
We have a come a long way from Christmas where we focus on hope, joy, peace and love in the form of an innocent, sweet child. In comparison I find the Easter story to be both disturbing and confronting. There is seemingly no hope, joy, peace or love at the end of Jesus’ ministry. However I find much to be hopeful about. We are taught that God made his son both divine and human. It is in his humanity that I draw most strength from when I review the Easter story. Jesus has his friends abandoning him in his moment of need in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is betrayed by his disciples. He is despised by the Jews. He is hated by the Pharisees. He is mocked by the Romans. He suffers greatly both physically and emotionally when he is flogged and then crucified. Jesus has a moment of fear when he asks his Father “may this cup be taken from me”. Jesus in his humanity experiences all the suffering, fear, pain, loneliness and doubt that we too can experience in our life. Whatever trials we face now we can know that God understands fully because of Jesus. Truly God loves us so much to give his only son