Matthew 27:11-26 Jesus Before Pilate

Jesus could have talked his way out of trouble, but he chose to be silent. Pilate was impressed by his composure. He did not become defensive because he understood his identity and mission well. Also, he had prepared in prayer for these events. Would I have the same composure under similar circumstances? Would I stand before the world strong and steadfast when persecution breaks out against me for my faith? When accused, even if falsely, I become defensive. I give way to many words trying to explain myself. Jesus instructs me to rely on the Holy Spirit for the words I am to speak under such circumstances.

False accusations did not get to Jesus. But it is more amazing to see that he does not loose his cool when the crowd chooses Barabbas over him. What did Barabbas ever do for them? He was a robber and a zealot who probably killed a few Romans. Jesus, on the other hand, healed many of them. He fed thousands of them on different occasions. He taught them with authority the things of the kingdom of God. This world will always prefer their own. It does not matter how well I serve people. Why am I surprised when people cling to their own?

Now, to top it all off, the crowd requests Jesus' death. It is one thing to be falsely accused and to be set aside for another, but to desire his death is definitely one of the most hurtful things Jesus experienced. The one who healed is given to die. The one who used his hands to touch the sick receives a slap. Pastor Fred Winters was gunned down while preaching after 22 years of ministry to the community of Maryville. The world hates preachers. Can I accept that? Will I shrink from preaching because of that risk? Preachers may have to start wearing bullet-proof vests before walking to the pulpit.

As Pilate washed his hands to declare his innocence of Jesus' death, the crowd declares "His blood be on us and our children!" Jesus came to the world to offer his blood for the forgiveness of the world and not to condemn it. I cannot be indifferent like Pilate and try to justify myself of Jesus' death. Ultimately, my sin is the cause of his death. I cannot excuse myself. On the other hand, I am not to take his blood upon me in guilt and shame because Christ came to remove my guilt and shame through his blood. His blood has cleansed me and given me life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who came into the world to offer me forgiveness and life. Help me stand firm in this world knowing that it is not my home. Help me understand that the world will love its own and I am like a sheep among wolves.

Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus takes time for a prayer retreat. Much ministry is ahead of him and he needs to prepare for it. Is it also possible that after ministering to over 5,000 people, he needs some rest? It is easy for me to think of prayer as preparation for ministry, but it is not that easy to think of prayer as recovery from ministry. Rest in the Lord is not just sleep. Isn't it also to have peace, inner quietness, and focus? I can't achieve that on sleep alone, but through prayer.

Jesus prayed alone. He sends his disciples ahead of him to be alone in prayer. The disciplines of prayer and solitude are very important in life and ministry. Am I willing to be alone with my Lord in prayer? Silence and solitude are the ingredients necessary for contemplation and self-reflection though many despise them because silence can be deafening and solitude can be overcrowding.  If I desire depth in my relationship with God, I must take time to be with him alone.

By the fourth watch, the disciples are still out on the Sea of Galilee fighting a storm and trying to reach land. A watch is a three hour period during the night. The first watch is 6-9pm; the second is 9-12am; the third is 12-3am; and the fourth is 3-6am. This means that the disciples have been on the boat for over 9 hours fighting the winds of a storm. Mind you that these men are no amateurs when it comes to sailing since many of them used to make a living fishing there. They were obeying the Master's orders to go to the other side and yet encountered a great storm. Many obstacles await me in my obedience to the Master. Will I be as faithful as the disciples battling against the storms of life to obey?

Finally, the Lord comes to their rescue. The disciples are frightened because they think he is a ghost. The Lord identifies himself and encourages them not to fear and Peter requests to be with him. Unfortunately, fear grips his heart in the middle of the storm and he begins to sink until he cries out for help and the Lord takes a hold of him. Not only are there obstacles in accomplishing Jesus' mission, but there are obstacles in getting close to him. Neither one can be accomplished on my own strength and power as capable as I may think I am. I need Jesus.

The accomplishment of Jesus' mission is dependent on my relationship with Jesus just like Jesus' ministry is totally dependent on his relationship with the Father. That's why Jesus prayed alone. I am called to faith and not fear if I am to enjoy fellowship with Jesus because faith overcomes all obstacles. Trust in and obedience to Jesus ensures my footing even upon the stormy waters of life. Thank God for his compassionate hand when my faith waivers and my footing is lost that rescues me from sinking altogether.

Lord, may I seek you day by day in prayer and solitude so that my faith may grow. Sustain me in my attempts to obey you. Hold me with your compassionate hand when all of life seems to fall apart.