Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 9:7-9; 23:5-12.
TEXT: And when he learned that He belonged to Herod's
jurisdiction, he sent Him over to Herod, who was himself
in Jerusalem at that time (Luke 23:7).

Pilate has cleared Jesus of all charges. But the Jewish
leaders aren't about to let up. Jesus is simply too
dangerous. He has stirred up the whole nation, beginning
in Herod's Galilee, all the way down here to Pilate's Judea.
But their words give Pilate a brilliant idea. Since Jesus
came from Herod's jurisdiction, he'll shift the responsibility
for this case and let Herod deal with it.

Herod is Jesus' judge, but he doesn't ask a single judicial
question, nor does he examine the charges against Jesus.
Herod has long wanted to see Jesus. But he's not
interested in God's truth; he wants to be entertained by a
miracle, catch a good performance perhaps. So Jesus
remains silent.

The Jewish high court strenuously presses its charges,
hoping to get a more favorable reaction from Herod. But
Herod absolutely refuses to hold a trial. His subjects already
hate him for executing John the Baptist, he isn't about to
touch popular Jesus.

Since Jesus answers Herod's questions and pleas with
silence, Herod feels Jesus is treating him with contempt-so
he returns the favor. Along with his soldiers Herod treats
Jesus with scorn and disrespect, as if He was nothing. He
dresses Jesus in splendid garments; then he sends Him
back to Pilate. The two governors agree: even if Jesus is a
king, He is harmless.

But this day does see one reconciliation. Previously, Pilate
and Herod had been bitter enemies; now they become
friends. Herod is grateful that Pilate sent Jesus' case to him.
Pilate is grateful that Herod recognized his authority and
was courteous enough to return Jesus to Pilate's jurisdiction.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, the Jews falsely accused You; Pilate judged
You innocent but wouldn't free You, and Herod was looking
to be entertained. Give me faith to worship You in truth and
humility as my Savior, King and Lord. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 23:1-4.
TEXT: Then the whole company of them arose and
brought Him before Pilate
(Luke 23:1).

The Jewish high court and temple police arise as a
large company and lead Jesus to Pilate. As they
bring their charges against Him, they won't even call
Him by name, saying instead, "this fellow." They
level three charges against Jesus. First, they accuse
Him of stirring up the nation against Rome. Next, they
charge Him with hindering the payment of taxes to
Caesar. Finally, they accuse Him of declaring Himself
to be the Christ-a king and a definite threat to Caesar.

Pilate directly asks Jesus, "Are You the king of the
Jews?"

Jesus answers the same way He answered the Jewish
high court previously. "You have said so." In Luke's
Greek Jesus is really saying, "Yes, what you have said
is true. I am King of the Jews."

In Pilate's mind there was no doubt, Jesus definitely
was claiming to be the king of the Jews. And yet Pilate
recognized this Christ-king was no threat to Caesar.
After this questioning Pilate went back out to the Jewish
leaders and made his verdict known, "I find no guilt in
this man." At this point the trial should be over. Pilate
should order the Jewish crowd to disperse and free Jesus,
with an armed escort, if necessary.

But upmost in Pilate's mind is maintaining peace and
order during this festival, when so many Jews from across
the Empire have streamed into Jerusalem. He could
certainly use his troops to disperse the Jewish leaders
and free Jesus, but he prefers a more peaceful resolution.
He seeks consent for his ruling from the Jewish high
court-his first fatal flaw of the day.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Pilate was convinced of Your innocence, yet
He opened the door to injustice, when he should have set
You free. Thank You for being willing to suffer and die for me.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Scripture:

Read Luke 22:63-71.
TEXT: When day came, the assembly of the elders
of the people gathered together, both chief priests
and scribes (see Luke 22:66).

While Peter is outside denying Jesus, the men
holding Jesus in custody are mocking and beating
Him. They blindfold Him, slap His face, and demand
Him to tell them who had struck Him. Through all the
abuse Jesus remains silent.

When day comes they lead Him before the Jewish
high court. Then they challenge Him: "If You are the
Christ, tell us."

Jesus knows they aren't interested in the truth; they
only want a charge to level against Him. Pointing out
their stubborn indifference He says, "If I tell you, you
will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer."
Then He answers their question with power and
majesty, "From now on the Son of Man shall be
seated at the right hand of the power of God."

Indeed, He is the Messiah, but He is not the earthly
king they expect. He is the exalted Messiah of the
Scriptures-the Son of God and Son of Man, who rules
in power and glory from the Father's right hand in
heaven. He is the God who will be their Judge on the
Last Day.

To be clear, the court demands, "Are You the Son of
God?" Jesus answers, "You say that I am." His
answer sounds evasive in our English, but not in Luke's
Greek. Jesus affirms the words they have just spoken
are true: He is the Son of God. The Jewish high court
condemns Jesus for claiming to be God's Son. But
time is running short. Soon the city will be awake, and
the dreaded crowds will return. They need Jesus on the
cross before that happens. So they rush Him off to the
Roman governor.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, despite their doubts and
hostility, You fearlessly revealed the truth to the Jewish
leaders. Give me faith to believe You are God's Son,
ruling at His right hand. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)