Today I will share my third Lenten message with you from the Max Lucado book On Calvary’s Hill. Today’s message is titled On Trial Before Pilate. As always,Max beginseach message with scripture:
Matthew 27:11 – Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say”.
Max then continues The most famous trial in history is about to begin. Two soldiers lead the judge down the stone stairs of the fortress into the broad courtyard. A regal chair is placed on a landing five steps up from the floor. The magistrate ascends and takes his seat. The accused is brought into the room and placed below him. A covey of robed religious leaders follows, walks over to one side of the room, and stands.
Pilate looks at the lone figure. “Are You the King of the Jews?” For the first time Jesus lifts His eyes. He doesn’t raise His head, but He lifts His eyes. He peers at the procurator from beneath His brow. Pilate is surprised at the tone in Jesus’ voice. “Those are your words.” Before Pilate can respond, the knot of Jewish leaders mocks the accused. Pilate doesn’t hear them, instead he hears ‘Those are your words.’ No defense. No explanation. No panic.
How many times has Pilate sat here? It’s a curule seat: cobalt blue with thick, ornate legs. The traditional seat of decision. From here he renders decisions. How many pleas has he received? How many wide eyes have stared at him, pleading for mercy, begging for acquittal?
But the eyes of this Nazarene are calm, silent. They don’t dart. Pilate searches them for anxiety … for anger. He doesn’t find it. What he finds makes him shift again. Pilate thinks – He’s not angry with me. He’s not afraid … He seems to understand.
Pilate is correct in his thoughts. Jesus is not afraid, angry, or on the verge of panic, because He is not surprised. Jesus knows His hour and the Hour has come. Pilate is also correct in his question. “What should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22 NCV). Perhaps you, like Pilate, are curious about this One called Jesus. You are puzzled by His claims and stirred by His passions.
Pilate’s question is yours. “What will I do with this man Jesus?” You have two choices. You can reject Him. You can decide that the idea of God becoming a carpenter is too bizarre – and walk away. Or you can accept Him. You can journey with Him. You can listen for His voice and follow Him.
Max then closes in prayer: My Lord and Savior, thank you for inviting me into the journey with you! It is my joy to follow you and to listen for your voice. You are the great and mighty King, and I choose you. In Your precious name Jesus. Amen.
Aren’t you glad that you chose to follow Jesus? Consider all the blessings you have experienced in your life because you know Jesus, and you know how He is there for you always. He is there in the bright light and also in the dark times of your life.
I pray that you all will have a very special Easter this year. I pray that you will take time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made enduring the cross for each of us, and to thank Him for his continuing presence in our lives, and guiding us and nourishing our bodies always.
I am considering continuing more of these Lenten messages from Max next spring. It would be helpful to me if you would let me know if this is a good idea, if you would like similar messages next year during Lent. If so, I will do my best to remember this for next spring.