PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 15:6-15
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“What crime has he committed?” (Mark 15:14)
The Jesus stories give no indication Jesus committed crimes.
He loved all people, and helped those who came to him.
He did not stir up rebellion against the leaders or Romans.
But his very presence did stir up the religious leaders.
Motivated by self-interest (15:10), Jesus was a problem to them.
Pilate similarly had his own interests to consider.
Neither were motivated by justice or mercy, love or grace.
Pilate’s question reminds me again of why I like Jesus.
He was guilty of the crimes of compassion!
My desire is to love and help all people, whoever they are.
If this is criminal, then I want to be guilty like Jesus.
If such kindness irritates the church, it makes me wonder…
Is the church more motivated by self-interest?
If I am not gracious to all, am I motivated by self-interest?
PRAYER
Lord, you are calling me to follow you in your crimes of compassion. I want to be a partner in this crime!
The saccular authority from Rome found Jesus innocent of crime and he asks “Why? What crime has he committed?”. Pilate sees no grounds – but he buckles to the pressure from the crowd. Jesus is the innocent one – the sinless one who is being condemned to die. I’m thinking it could have gone differently if Jesus had been set free by Pilate – yet the rulers and the people were stirred up and really it is the people who are guilty of sentencing Jesus to be crucified. Pilate acquiesced so he is an accomplice for sure. Jesus died for us! His death meets the requirements of redemption for sin. The cross was the key to that!
Self-interests.
If this is our driving force in life, we are on the wrong track. In our living for Jesus, self is always last. Jesus is always first, then others and self is in last place. As far as it depends upon me, I need to live at peace with all mankind. This is only a possibility if I have the love of Jesus in my heart. I must become like Jesus and demonstrate His love for me by showing that love in my daily living.
Lord, I want to be a Christian
In my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be a Christian
In my heart.
In my heart,
In my heart,
Lord, I want to be a Christian
In my heart.
2
Lord, I want to be more loving
In my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more loving
In my heart.
In my heart,
In my heart,
Lord, I want to be more loving
In my heart.
3
Lord, I want to be more holy
In my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be more holy
In my heart.
In my heart,
In my heart,
Lord, I want to be more holy
In my heart.
4
Lord, I want to be like Jesus
In my heart, in my heart;
Lord, I want to be like Jesus
In my heart.
In my heart,
In my heart,
Lord, I want to be like Jesus
In my heart.