Sunday, March 4, 2012

Matthew 27:1-31 pt 1 We betray and mock Jesus


Matthew 27:1-31 pt 1 We betray and mock Jesus
New International Version (NIV)
Judas Hangs Himself
 1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed.2 So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.
 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”
   “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”
 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Jesus Before Pilate
 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
 21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.
   “Barabbas,” they answered.
 22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
   They all answered, “Crucify him!”
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Daniel’s Thoughts:

I split this chapter into parts because there is so much that happens. In this first part all are betraying Jesus. Judas his disciple betrayed him for 30 silver coins. The leaders of Israel bring false testimony against Jesus. The soldiers mock Jesus ironically for being the King of the Jews! As the word says

Psalm 14:3 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

I wish I could say that I would never betray Jesus, but I have and I still do as I sin. Often I do so in ignorance, but sometimes I willingly do the wrong that I know.

I have betrayed Jesus personally.
The western culture and church is very personal and focused on personal sin and salvation. But I think we miss out on the communal nature of our sin. We as a society allow and perpetuate sins such as poverty, inequality, and hypocrisy. That is hard to admit, but it still does not feel close to home. But as InterVarsity honestly I can say we fail to love some groups as well as others and even hold some judgment in our heart. We have betrayed and disowned Jesus by failing to live out his call to his church and us his followers.

But we go further, not only do we betray him but we even disown and mock Jesus. We do not acknowledge him as Lord of Lords and Lord of our lives. We make money and success our priorities in effect saying they are greater than our Lord and Savior by which all things were created. We are mocking Jesus!


Daniel’s Prayer:
Jesus

I have betrayed you.
I have disowned you.
I have mocked you.

We as your followers have:
Turned from you
Allowed and perpetuated brokenness and injustice
We your church have been hypocritical
Those you love have been hurt by us your people
Pursued wealth, success and our desires
Above you

Yet you still love us
You have been betrayed, mocked, scorned
You carry all of that yet forgive and love us!

Jesus you carry it all for us!
There is nothing we can do to thank you or earn your love!

Amen

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