'We Take Responsibility' - Matthew 27:22-26

[When the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released,] Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?"
They shouted back, "Crucify him!"

"Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?"

But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!"

Pilate saw that he wasn't getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. The responsibility is yours!"

And all the people yelled back, "We will take responsibility for his death — we and our children!"

So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.


—Matthew 27:22-26 NLT

Key Thought​

"We will take responsibility for his death." Can you imagine anyone saying such a thing? Jesus' enemies are so intent on getting him crucified that they are willing to take full responsibility for rejecting and murdering him. Of course, no matter what Pilate did, he could not absolve himself of guilt in this matter. But even so, the incited crowd is only too glad to accept the responsibility of Jesus' blood themselves.

Incredibly, Jesus' death on the cross was his way of taking our sin, our shame, and our guilt by shedding his blood to pay for them. Some of those who were calling for this horrible crucifixion would one day find forgiveness because this very blood was shed for them, too.

Today's Prayer​

Father, please forgive me; I often don't know what I'm doing. It's not always that I'm ignorant, but that I am sometimes weak and selfish, looking out only for my own interest. Please forgive me. I want to stand firm for my faith and be courageous in the face of bitter criticism. Thank you that Jesus died for my sin, and help me to live victoriously acknowledging that Jesus saved me by his sacrifice. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• 2 Corinthians 5:19-21
• John 19:1-5
• John 18:29, 33-37

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[Rizakar]

I know there were so many among the crowd that day that were so cruel but I know I would have been just as frighten and helpless as the disciples and Mary to be unable to stop it from happening even though knowing full well NOW it was my sins Jesus was paying for so lovingly. How can it be HE WOULD DIE FOR SUCH A WRECH LIKE ME IS THE SONG THAT KEEPS PLAYING OVER AND OVER IN MY HEAD.