QT 5/17/2022 Matt 27:17-19, Crucified for our sins and saved by his death

Matthew 27:17–19 (ESV) — 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

 

NOTE: In verse 19, Matthew adds another unique aspect to the story, Pilate's wife's nightmare on account of Jesus. Now Pilate has two reasons to release Jesus, the first is natural -- Jesus is not guilty of any crime by Roman law, and the second is supernatural -- his wife is given a dream warning of Jesus' innocence. In Roman culture, there was a lot of weight placed on dreams. They had a spiritual superstition. Why does God give the wife a dream? By clearly establishing Jesus' innocence, it highlights the evil of men, and it shows both Gentile (Roman) and Jewish involvement in the crucifixion of Jesus. Yes, Jesus had to die for our sins to bring us salvation, but there was no legal requirement for him to die. He had no sin. If he did, he could not have died for our sins, he could only die for his sins. The Jews did not kill Jesus -- mankind (all of us) killed Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I really recognize the depth of my sinful self? If so, then I will see myself as a partner in Jesus' crucifixion.

 

PRAYER: Father, "WE" rejected the messiah. We, mankind, sought to kill him. We were represented by the Romans and the Chief Priests. If we had no sin, we would not be guilty, but we all have sinned. And Jesus had to die for our sins, so we are guilty of his death. But, gloriously so: we who believe are now saved by his death and resurrection. Thank you!