2016-Lent at JW2_Page_1

Scripture Reference: Mark 15:1-15

Monday Prayer: The idea of a trial and courtroom conjures up images of justice and fairness. Sadly, the reality of the justice system, whether that be here in the United States or the trial of Jesus before Pilate, is that there are flaws. One of the biggest flaws is the fact that ultimately justice is administered by people, and people are not perfect in the areas of wisdom and integrity. As a result, there is injustice. This is precisely what happened when Jesus was tried before Pilate. Jesus was questioned, and Pilate, instead of serving as a judge, shifted the responsibility over to the crowd to decide whether or not Jesus or a convicted murderer deserved freedom. The crowd chose Barabbas, and Jesus went quietly to his appointed death.

It is during this time that Jesus clearly articulates that he is in fact the king of the Jews (cf. Mk. 15:2). As king of creation, Jesus chooses to submit himself to a local authority for the sake of his people. His posture is the good of humanity rather than being treated fairly, which is something he was absolutely entitled to. As we meditate on the story of Jesus before Pilate, and as we consider this season of Lent how we might identify ourselves with “the man”, we need to pray that God would show us how we might submit ourselves to those who we might deem as “less than” for the sake of the Gospel and their ultimate good. Jesus was obedient to the point of death, a death that procured the souls of his people and inaugurated a kingdom of righteousness that unfolds through the love his people must have for others.

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