In this brief section of scripture, Jesus experiences much: Beaten, mocked, scorned, teased, baited, challenged, derided, accused of wrongdoing, unjustly punished, sentenced to death, and betrayed by the very ones He came to save and deeply loved.

So much pain, so much cruelty, so much hurt. Yet, what the Holy Spirit keeps hammering home to me is His humility and self-control. Despite all that occurred to him, Jesus did not even bother to speak a defense for Himself.

He willingly suffered the cruelty of others because He knew the end game – the saving of many souls, the improvement of many lives. How willing are we to do as Jesus does in the face of our accusers? Knowing the end game, what are we willing to do for the saving of many souls? The improvement of many lives? Whatever GOD is calling you to do today, will you do it as Christ did? Or will you respond from pride?

The days leading up to Easter are a brutal reminder of what each of us are capable of, save Jesus. Praise our Lord Jesus who makes all things new.

***Disclosure*** This is not an advocacy for allowing abuse to occur in our lives*** Safety always comes first. It is encouragement to respond to hatred in love, and overcome evil with good. If you are being abused, please seek help immediately.

[Luke 22.63 - 23.25]

Jesus is Mocked

63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

Jesus Before the Council

66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

Jesus Before Pilate

CH. 23 1Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 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. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ How does this passage of scripture cause you to view the events leading up to our saviors crucifixion?

+ What does this passage reveal about the snare of pride?

+ Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what insight he wishes for you from todays scriptures.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How are you responding like Christ to those around you?

+ What area of you responding in pride?

+ Have is Jesus calling you to respond?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ What sins may I need to confess after reading todays scriptures?

+ Who can I love like Jesus loved and whom may he be calling me to invite to Easter Gathering?