PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 27:11-19
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“That innocent man… I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19)
I find something very encouraging in this story about Pilate’s wife.
She is a Gentile with no interest in a Jewish messiah, yet God speaks to her in a dream.
I don’t think God is tormenting her, but impressing on her Jesus’ innocence.
God reveals Jesus to her and she can’t get Him out of her mind… and heart?
According to some traditions, she eventually became a Jesus follower.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church she is recognized as Saint Claudia (or Saint Procula).
True or not, what we see here is how God doesn’t just speak to those who know Him.
I’m encouraged to know God is speaking to those I know who do not know Him.
Think how the centurion at the cross affirms Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 27:54)
As a parallel, I read today how Jesus is speaking to Muslims through dreams.
Jesus’s Spirit still speaks today, and you don’t have to be a Christian to hear Him.
This as a huge encouragement as I share my faith: the Spirit is already at work!
Instead of telling someone about Jesus, ask them what they know about Jesus.
You may find He has already started the work of opening their hearts and minds to Him!
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for thinking it is up to me to make someone believe. Thank You for reminding me that You are already witnessing to peoples’ hearts and minds, and I can build on what You are doing in them!
Jesus was and acted the part of an ‘innocent lamb’ led to the slaughter. His innocence verified by the dream that Pilate’s wife had – God placed. Pilate was seeking for a way for justice for Jesus – he did not want innocent blood on his hands. His wife was already tormented by it and now so was he. Yet the leaders of the Jews persisted! People today have dreams too that turns them to Christ – all those whom He is calling. Help me/us to be open to that!
Who is in charge?
The religious leaders could not do as they desired, to get rid of Jesus. They did not have the authority to put a man to death.
Pilate was ruled trying to be nice to the religious leaders, the mob rule and even his wife – keeping them of his side even though he knew he was innocent.
Yet all this happened so that I am saved. I need to stand for truth and justice. I need the courage to do what is right also this day in my living for Jesus.
3
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
Be never wanting there.