March 2nd, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY

Matthew 27:24-26 ”When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.” 

Pilate had a huge political issue facing him as the trial of Jesus progressed. Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty of any crimes. Pilate knew he should release him. He thought he had the solution in offering to release either Jesus or Barabbas, but that backfired on him. Being he was the only one who could make the decision what to do with Jesus, he actually “wimped out.” He announced to the crowd, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.” He washed his hands to symbolize his words.   

In the end, Pilate released Jesus into the hands of the Jews. He permitted their will to be carried out. He sent Jesus from his courtyard on to Calvary to be crucified. In actuality, Pilate never realized what was really happening. Nor did the Jewish leaders.   

Pilate turned Jesus over to the Jews for political expediency. He did not want a “riot” on his watch. He had to maintain control over the people. Letting an innocent man to die to protect his governorship made complete sense to him. The Jewish leaders thought putting Jesus to death would solve all of their problems. Neither of them were right. 

Jesus was not crucified for political expediency. He was not crucified because of the Jewish leader’s hatred of Him. He was crucified as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the human race. Because of His death you who believe in Him will never die, but have everlasting life. 

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for giving Your life as a ransom for many. Amen. 

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
See Him dying on the tree!
‘Tis the Christ, by man rejected;
Yes, my soul, ‘tis He, ‘tis He!
“Tis the long expected
Prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;  
Proofs I see sufficient of it:
 ‘Tis the true and faithful Word. 

Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning,
Was there ever grief like this?
Friends through fear His cause disowning,
Foes insulting His distress;
Many hands were raised to wound Him,
None would intervene to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced Him
Was the stroke that Justice gave. 

Ye who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed,
See who bears the awful load;
‘Tis the Word the Lord’s anointed;
Son of Man and Son of God. 

Here we have a firm foundation,
Here the refuge of the lost:
Christ, the Rock of our salvation,
Is the name of which we boast;
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded,
Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded
Who on Him their hope have built. 

Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted // LSB 451

Public Domain