Key Thought

What follows will be another sham trial and another travesty of justice. Jesus was condemned to die by the Jewish high council and the High Priest along with his priestly conspirators. Pilate has to approve of the execution because the Jews could not carry out that sentence without Roman approval. About the only truth that comes out of the trial is Jesus' acceptance of Pilate's title for him -- King of the Jews. Jesus is the king appointed by God. He will be recognized at God's time and in God's way. He is still the reigning King of God's people.

Today's Prayer

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Father in heaven, according to your promise and your plan, Jesus is King. We gladly accept him and praise him as our King. He will reign on David's throne forever and ever. While we hate that the price of his kingship was so high, we are thrilled that he is our Lord and the King of glory and that he will reign forever and ever. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

Very early in the morning, the leading priests, the older Jewish leaders, the teachers of the law, and all the Jewish council decided what to do with Jesus. They tied Jesus and led him to Pilate, {the governor}. They gave Jesus to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Yes, that is right." The leading priests accused Jesus of many things. So Pilate asked Jesus another question. Pilate said, "You can see that these people are accusing you of many things. Why don't you answer?" But Jesus still did not answer. Pilate was very surprised at this. Every year at the Passover time the governor would free one person from the prison. He would free any person the people wanted him to free. At that time, there was a man named Barabbas in prison. He was in prison with the rebels. These rebels were guilty of murder during a riot. The people came to Pilate and asked him to free a prisoner like he always did. Pilate asked the people, "Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?" Pilate knew that the leading priests had given Jesus to him because they were jealous of Jesus. But the leading priests persuaded the people to ask Pilate to free Barabbas, not Jesus. Pilate asked the people again, "So what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?" The people shouted, "Kill him on a cross!" Pilate asked, "Why? What wrong has he done?" But the people shouted louder and louder, "Kill him on a cross!" Pilate wanted to please the people. So Pilate freed Barabbas for them. And Pilate told the soldiers to beat Jesus with whips. Then Pilate gave Jesus to the soldiers to be killed on a cross.

— Mark 15:1-15 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.