Jesus is Essential
John 19:5: Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
For the third time, Pilate went out to face the people, this time bringing Jesus with him. Surely the sight of this scourged and humiliated prisoner would arouse some pity in their hearts; but it did not. For the second time, Pilate declared that he found no fault in Jesus, but his words only aroused their hateful passions more.
“Behold the man!” carries the idea, “Look at this poor fellow! Hasn’t He suffered enough? Take pity on Him and let me release Him.” It was a noble effort on Pilate’s part, but it failed. The failure of Pilate’s plan teaches us an important lesson: it takes more than human sentiment to bring the lost sinner to salvation. 1
Walking with Jesus
Today, let’s think about all that our sinless Savior subjected Himself to, so we could be delivered from the bondage of sin and death, and spend eternity with Him. Let us bring our praise and thanksgiving to Him today. Read Psalm 103:1-5, and use that text to stir your heart with thanksgiving and hope, and love for our blessed Redeemer.
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1
His atonement for my sin cost Him everything; He deserves my whole heart.
Praying
Lord, teach me to behold You everyday in all that I see, say, and do.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
