Stations of the Cross (5)

Jesus is judged by Pilate (Luke 23:13-25)

Luke 23:13–25 (NIV84)

13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”

18 With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)

20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

Pilate washed his hands, to show the decision was not his own,

but he did not dare to side publicly with Jesus;

instead, he was willing to content the people.

The people of the Law turned against Jesus,

Preferring a sinner, one of their own.

So Jesus was condemned to death.

Too often have we washed our hands thinking them clean,

when we are condemning You again,

when we fail to help the poor, oppressed and blind,

joining the mob to call for Your death!

Lord, open our eyes to Your truth.

Lord, open our eyes to Your truth.

We condemn you by our commissions and omissions,

Refusing to listen to Your small still voice,

chasing instead the lust of flesh and of the eyes,

the pride of life, crucifying You again and again.

Lord, open our eyes to Your truth.

Lord, open our eyes to Your truth.

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