The Daily Word: Tuesday, April 27th, 2021
Judges 7:1-8:17
Luke 23:13-43
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 14:7-8
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. – Lk.23:22-23
Pilate knew Jesus had done nothing wrong. He wanted to release Him! His wife had warned him to let Jesus go (Matt. 27:19). But the mob – the “chief priests, the rulers, and the people” – cried out for Jesus to be murdered. “But they shouted, saying, ‘Crucify Him, Crucify Him’” (v 21)! So Pilate caved. Instead of releasing this Man who was clearly innocent and had done nothing wrong, Pilate sentenced Him to death. Instead of listening to his wife and his conscience, he sought to appease the mob.
Pilate was swayed by the loudest voices. Who are the loudest voices in your life? If you’re a Christian, are the loudest voices in your life the Holy Spirit and the Word of God? I hope so! Because if not, you are in major danger of making some terrible mistakes. Pilate would suffer an eternity of torment for wrongly condemning Jesus to death. And he did it just to avoid a moment of discomfort as he was at odds with the people around him, most of whom he didn’t even know!
Make sure Jesus is the loudest voice in your life, and tune out everyone else. Because His voice is the only one you can trust, and the only one you need to hear.
Prayer:
Father, speak to me! I pray that Your voice would always be the loudest in my heart and in my head. I refuse to be swayed by the opinions of others – especially those who don’t know You! Instead, I will only be moved by the King of kings: my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.