The Jewish religious leaders brought Jesus before Pilate. They wanted him to order the execution of Jesus. Pilate found no reason to have Him killed. The Pharisees wanted a murderer named Barabbas to be released in place of Jesus. They wanted Jesus to die instead. They fulfilled God’s plan… that Jesus would die for the sins of all mankind… once and forevermore. Let us not get caught up in the crowds of those who oppose Jesus. Let us stand firmly in our faith in Him!
Please pass along this verse to family and friends. Ask if they were in the place of Pilate, how would they have handled Jesus. Ask if they would have gone along with the crowd to avoid a riot or uprising. Let them know that while Pilate tried to do the right thing… he later yielded to the voice of the crowd instead. Encourage others to take a stand for Jesus each day. He will bless you for it. Continue to Take Time For God’s Word© throughout the day or as you see crowds of people or protesters and at 15:15 (3:15 pm). In the coming months, we will see large crowds of people either supporting or protesting any one of the candidates for our elections. Be reminded of the crowds that followed Jesus… cheering Him on during His entrance to Jerusalem… then crying “Crucify Him” just a few days later. Let the numbers 15:15 have a special meaning for you. Let it remind you that just like others, we may have been in the crowd yelling with them. Know that He still came to forgive ALL who have sinned… that is great news for you and for me.
Please continue to offer your prayers for all the seminaries and places for training up our pastors, ministers, missionaries, and lay leaders to continue to lead the church in reaching the lost. We need more pastors, teachers, and preachers. We need to encourage our young people to seek God’s will and to consider His calling into this type of ministry. Encourage those who are your pastor’s now. Help them wherever you can. Make a difference. Support them and future generations of ministers. Stay blessed and be a blessing. Pass it on to the crowds to show them what Jesus did for them and that His love still calls them home… to be with Him forever!
