Prepare: How do you react when tempted to compromise or disown the Lord?
Read: Luke 23:1-25
Your verdict: Everyone in Jerusalem was giving their verdict on the Man who for the past three years had demonstrated God's power and love. The Jewish Council had already declared Jesus guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death according to their law. Judas betrayed Him, and His closest friends fled the scene. Peter had denied Him and now we see Jesus standing alone, facing Pilate, Herod and the hostile crowds. What would your verdict have been?
Fear and selfish ambition versus justice: Pilate and Herod had the authority to release Jesus, but Herod was only interested in making sport and seeing miracles; and Pilate only cared for his position. He declared Jesus innocent three times, but he yielded to pressure from the religious leaders who incited the crowds. Their shouts prevailed, and he handed Jesus over to be crucified. Justice did not enter into the equation. He released a murderer and condemned the innocent.
Who is on the Lord's side? Daily, we encounter situations when we have to choose whose side we are on. We will be tempted to be silent when we should speak. There will be pressure to go with the crowd, for fear of losing friends or popularity, or in some cases, fear of persecution. Take courage! When Jesus commissioned His followers to be His witnesses, He also promised the power of the Holy Spirit. (24:48,49).
Respond: O' Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end. O' give me grace to follow my Master and my friend.
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