all eyes on jesus | suffering servant

“What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:12-15, NIV

Jesus stood before Pilate falsely accused and unjustly condemned, the crowd's perception of him marred by misunderstanding, frustration, and the self-interest of the Chief Priests. The crowd’s expectations of a triumphant earthly ruler did not align with the suffering servant standing before them. Barabbas, a fighter, the symbol of rebellion, seemed a better option for the future.

Pilate, unwilling to commit himself, asks the crowd, "What shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" (ESV). The crowd cries, “Crucify him!” and God's redemptive plan unfolds. The rejection and crucifixion of Jesus become the means by which salvation is made available to all. In their unknowing participation, the crowd plays a role in God's divine purpose.

Confronted by that same question the decision we make is crucial. Our response holds eternal significance.
What will you do with Jesus? Will you choose to believe he is the Son of God, Saviour of the world, Messiah, King of kings? Will you embrace him and his offer of forgiveness, new purpose, and eternal life? Accepting Jesus may not be the obvious choice. It will mean choosing to take a path of surrender, agreeing to change, learning to become a disciple. But the reward is an abundant life transformed by his love, filled with hope that stretches into eternity.

What will you do with Jesus today?

Let’s pray
I say ‘yes’ to you today, Jesus. I want to follow you all the days of my life. I trust that you are working out your perfect plan in my life. Have your way, Lord. Amen.