Jesus is condemned to death
Jesus said: Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you – Matthew 7:1
He said: Let the one among you who has committed no sin cast the first stone – John 8:7
And he said: You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free – John 8:32
Jesus stands, judged and condemned by a man who says that he does not know what truth is, a man afraid to listen to the voice of truth. Pilate has acted conveniently, he has satisfied the crowd, he has done his job, he has kept the peace; but, deep down, he knows where truth and justice lie, so he washes his hands, in the hope that this will somehow absolve him.
Jesus stands all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for him. Nobody helps defend him. He devoted his entire life to helping others, listening to the smallest ones, caring for those who were ignored by others. They don’t seem to remember that as they call for him to put him to death.
As a child, sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes we feel that others don’t stand up for us and defend us when we are afraid. Sometimes we don’t feel like we are treated fairly, especially if we are scolded or corrected.
As an adult, sometimes we feel abandoned and afraid as well. Sometimes we too, feel like we treated unfairly or blamed for things unfairly. We have a hard time when people criticize us at home or at work.
Help me be grateful for what you did for me. Help me to accept criticism and unfairness as you did, and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
My Jesus, often have I signed the death warrant by my sins; save me by Thy death from that eternal death which I have so often deserved.
Lord, we realise that we too have fled from the truth and lacked the courage to do what we know to be right.
We thank you that you are so generous, that you carry our sin, rather than condemning us for it, and we pray for the many people in our world who are unjustly judged and condemned when they are innocent.
Lord, in your mercy…Hear our prayer
