What Jesus Did! 'Priests of Politics' — Mark 15:11

Thursday, November 28, 2024

[After Pilate asked the crowd if he should release Jesus,] the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
— Mark 15:11 NLT

Key Thought

Pilate knew that the leading priests had Jesus arrested because of envy (Mark 15:10). Now the priests are behind the scenes orchestrating the events and stirring up the mob for Pilate to release Barabbas. Let's watch their behavior throughout this story and realize how easily we might slip from an honest search for truth into a mad frenzy to defend what we do and believe. Let's pursue Jesus and his truth so we can be set free from our petty desires to protect ourselves and what we have grown accustomed to doing and believing.

Today's Prayer

O Father, I want to seek you, your truth, and your Kingdom above all other things... including my own comfort with things I have experienced and known. Lead me to know and to live your truth whatever the cost. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 23:29-36
  • Matthew 5:21-26
  • James 1:26-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:11 NLT — [After Pilate asked the crowd if he should release Jesus,] the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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