March 1st, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

THE PEOPLE TURNED ON JESUS

Matthew 27:(15-19) 20-23 “But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!” “Why? What crime has He committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

A few days previously the crowds in and around Jerusalem had welcomed Jesus with a Kings welcome.  They wanted Him to become their ruler.  They praised God for Jesus’ presence among them.  Now, the Jewish leaders had successfully turned the crowds against Jesus.  They wanted nothing to do with Him.

The crowds were so turned against Jesus they chose Barabbas, an infamous criminal, to be released by Pilate.  Regarding Jesus, they shouted to Pilate they wanted Jesus put to death.  “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!  They shouted.” 

Alas! And did my Savior bleed,
And did my sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown,
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in
When God, the mighty maker, died
For His own creatures’ sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away:
'Tis all that I can do

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed // LSB 437

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