Stephan Hoffman

‘What is truth?’ retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, ‘I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release “the king of the Jews”?’ They shouted back, ‘No, not him! Give us Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.  John 18:38-40

Jesus was arrested after Judas betrayed him. In that cold night he was first taken to the chief priest, and later to Pilate. Peter betrayed Jesus three times by denying that he knew Jesus and was one of his disciples.

Jesus is interrogated, slapped and humiliated, he seems completely resigned and powerless, but Jesus, endures this suffering out of free will. He is willing to drink the cup of suffering even though he is completely innocent. Jesus is King of the Universe, he is not an earthly king. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, he tried to convince the crowd to release the "King of the Jews" as he called Jesus, but they chose rather to demand the release of Barabbas the robber.

Jesus is abandoned by all his confidants, they remain at a distance and watch how he is humiliated, they desert him or deny knowing him, fearing that they might be detained.

We must be careful about judging the disciples' reactions.  How often do we also deny that we know and follow Jesus with our thoughts, words and deeds?  How many times have we allowed the opportunity to pass by to testify that he is the true King?  Sometimes we also do what the crowds did, rather choosing ourselves and our own freedom instead of letting Jesus rule over our lives.

Jesus love is so great that he is prepared to drink from the cup of suffering on your and my behalf.  He is willing to walk the whole way. He gives himself over into the hands of sinful men, so that he may deliver them from their sins.

Come let us again live with the testimony that Jesus is also our King. Come let us fearlessly testify that we know and follow him. Let us choose again to be obedient to God's will!

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for loving me so much that you were willing to walk the full path of suffering. I am so sorry that I sometimes betray you through my thoughts, words and deeds. Please help me to remain faithful to you and to fearlessly witness that I know and love you.  Amen