February 28th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

PILATE WAS NOT IN CHARGE      

Matthew 27:11-14 “Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, “Don’t You hear the testimony they are bringing against You?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” 

Pilate was amazed, the words of today’s devotional verses say. And, Jesus did not help Pilate at all. If only Jesus had spoken with the authority that had amazed the crowds for the past three-and-one-half years. But, He said not a word. He gave no defense. He did not provide Pilate with any kind of evidence he might use to acquit Jesus. 

Surely Jesus could and would mount a defense against the false accusations brought against Him. He did not! Instead, “. . . He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8) Pilate was not in charge! Jesus had come into the world to save sinners. His perfect life, death on Calvary’s cross, and Easter resurrection were all necessary to carry out God’s plan of salvation. He said nothing in order to save you from eternity in hell. 

Pilate was amazed. The Jewish leaders were relieved and sensed that finally they would prevail. Pilate would have no choice but to sentence Jesus to death by crucifixion. But, neither Pilate nor the Jewish leaders were in charge, God was. He had sent His Son to seek and to save the lost. To do so, His dying on the cross was necessary. Jesus was the “Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world.” 

Because Jesus willingly submitted to His Father, He said nothing to Pilate and went to the cross. In doing so, you have a Savior who has saved you. He is your Good Shepherd who leads you through this life to life everlasting. To Him be the glory. 

Prayer: Jesus, Your silence before Pilate spoke volumes to us sinners about God’s great love for us. Thank You for faithfully taking my sins from me and making them Your own that I might be forgiven. In Your holy name. Amen. 

O perfect life of love!
All, all, is finished now,  
All that He left His throne above
To do for us below. 

No work is left undone
Of all the Father willed;  
His toil, His sorrows, one by one,
The Scriptures have fulfilled. 

No pain that we can share
But He has felt its smart;  
All forms of human grief and care
Have pierced that tender heart. 

And on His thorn-crowned head
And on His sinless soul  
Our sins in all their guilt were laid
That He might make us whole. 

In perfect love he dies;
For me He dies, for me.  
O all-atoning Sacrifice,
I cling by faith to Thee. 

In ev’ry time of need,
Before the judgment throne,  
Thy work, O Lamb of God, I’ll plead,
Thy merits, not mine own. 

Yet work, O Lord, in me
As Thou for me hast wrought;  
And let my love the answer be
To grace Thy love has brought.  (LSB 452) 

O Perfect Life of Love // LSB 452