"What is truth?" Pilate asked, John 19:38, NIV

How could a man stand face-to-face with the Son of God, declare him innocent, and still condemn him to death?

To understand and learn from Pilate’s actions, we must first recognise that his mindset was shaped by the world he lived in. Pilate seems to have idolised the Roman Empire and material facts. His questions to Jesus were political and based on objective reasoning because he believed everything could be explained through power and verifiable truths. He couldn’t accept that faith requires allowing room for mystery and the supernatural, so he dismissed Jesus as just another man.

Pilate’s status and authority also played a crucial role. As a Roman governor, he likely considered himself very powerful. When confronted with Jesus, he felt that power slipping away. Instead of challenging the demands of the crowd, Pilate chose to protect his position and bow to their pressure.

In the end, Pilate clung to his worldview and refused to embrace the Gospel.

Let’s pray
Lord, give me the courage to confront my reliance on worldly power and status. Help me choose faith over comfort, truth over fear, and follow the path you’ve set before me resisting pressure to go to the left or to the right. I fix my eyes on you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

While court was still in session, Pilate’s wife sent him a message: “Don’t get mixed up in judging this noble man. I’ve just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about him.” Matthew 27:19. MSG

Pilate’s wife, though unnamed, offers a quiet yet powerful challenge to the forces of power. Her dream, a warning of Jesus’s innocence, disrupts the prevailing narrative of condemnation. She speaks truth to her husband, standing as a voice of conscience amid political expediency. Her plea, though ultimately ignored, brings to light the moral struggle within the Passion story.

Lent invites us to reflect on her perspective: the burden of knowing the truth and the frustration of witnessing injustice. How often do we remain silent when our conscience calls us to act? We can learn from her courage to speak truth, even when it is inconvenient, and understand the power of one voice in the face of oppression.

Let's pray
Give me the courage to speak truth in moments when it is difficult or unpopular to hear. Strengthen my heart to stand for righteousness. Help me grow in wisdom and boldness, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort! Luke 23:8, NIV

I’ve sometimes been asked to play a game where players choose anyone—alive or dead—that they would want to have dinner with. They then list four questions they would ask their guests. Many Christians would likely choose Jesus, but what if you weren’t a believer? Would you still choose him? And if you did, how would you feel if he refused to answer your questions?

This is the situation Herod Antipas finds himself in during the trial of Jesus. When Pilate discovered Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod, who ruled that region. Herod was an evil and ruthless ruler who had ordered the beheading of Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, but he was “greatly pleased” to see Jesus, having long hoped for a chance to meet him. What he wanted, however, wasn’t a conversation—it was a spectacle.
Herod bombarded Jesus with questions. Jesus refused to answer. There were no miracles performed.

Jesus’ silence was a profound display of obedience to the Father's will. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful response to the noise around us is simply stillness and trust in God’s plan. Jesus’ mission was not to satisfy curiosity or prove himself in the face of scepticism, but to fulfil the redemptive work set before him. How often do we seek answers or validation in the wrong places, when what we truly need is to trust God's timing – even if he is silent?

Let’s pray:
Lord, help me recognise the power of silence and trust in your wisdom and perfect timing. I surrender my questions and find peace in your presence today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed” John 11:50, NLT

Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, was the acting high priest who presided over Jesus's Jewish trial. A Sadducee, he served as high priest for nineteen years, a remarkable tenure given that high priests were typically deposed after just one year in office. That suggests he was politically focused and determined to preserve his place.

When the Sanhedrin convened to decide what to do about Jesus following the raising of Lazarus, they feared that if Jesus continued performing signs, he would gain widespread support, prompting the Romans to destroy the temple and the nation. It was Caiaphas who spoke, saying, “You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed” (John 11:50). John says that Caiaphas, unknowingly, prophesied. God spoke through him, revealing that Jesus' death would bring salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles. Following this meeting, the Sanhedrin set their plans in motion to have Jesus killed.

Caiaphas unwittingly co-operated with the Father’s redemption plans proving God's purpose prevails, even when humans scheme.

Let’s pray
Lord, thank you that your sovereign plan triumphs. Help me to feed on your faithfulness and trust that your purpose will always be worked out in my life and circumstances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers. Matthew 21:12-13, NIV

Annas was a member of the Sadducees, the elite ruling class in first-century Judea. He and his family were notorious for their greed. Much of their wealth came from their control over the "booths of the sons of Annas," market stalls located on the Mount of Olives. They also ran stalls inside the temple complex, in the Court of the Gentiles. Through these, they monopolised the sale of sacrificial animals and the exchange of money into temple coins for offerings, charging exorbitant prices and exploiting the poor to amass their wealth. When Jesus entered the temple, he drove out the money changers and sellers, condemning their corrupt practices. This action struck a financial blow to Annas’s family.

According to John, Jesus was initially brought before Annas before being sent to Caiaphas who was the current high priest and leader of the Sanhedrin. Annas is likely the one most responsible for orchestrating the arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He highlights the dangers of unchecked power, greed, and the willingness to compromise righteousness for personal gain.

Let's pray
Lord, guard my heart against the temptations of greed and power. Help me to adhere to your standards and seek righteousness and integrity above all else, following your example of justice and compassion. Guide me to act with humility, reflecting your love and truth in all that I do. In Jesus’, name. Amen.

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Matthew 21: 50-52, NIV

Malchus' story is mentioned in all four Gospels, though only John directly names him. In Mark, Matthew, and Luke, he is simply referred to as "the servant of the high priest." It’s likely that the high priest sent him, along with soldiers and Judas Iscariot, to arrest Jesus. In doing so, Malchus came face to face with someone unlike any other—a man who would show kindness even in the midst of betrayal and injustice.

Each Gospel recounts that one of Jesus' followers (Peter, in John’s account) drew a sword and cut off Malchus’ ear. Jesus, however, responded by rebuking Peter and miraculously healing Malchus' ear.

Could Malchus represent the many unbelievers who, in their attempt to come to Jesus are hurt by the actions of careless Christians who don’t fully grasp the extent of God’s love and grace?

Perhaps today is a good day to reflect on our own mistakes. Let’s ask God for forgiveness for the times we’ve treated others thoughtlessly and pray that those around us who don’t know Jesus might experience a personal encounter with his grace, kindness, and forgiveness.

Let’s pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve caused harm or been careless in my actions toward others, especially those who don’t know you. Help me to reflect your grace, kindness, and forgiveness. May those around me encounter your love in the way I treat them. In your matchless name. Amen.

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3, NIV

There are two accounts of women anointing Jesus, but this one highlights the true nature of Judas. He reacts with irritation, criticising the use of expensive oil as wasteful. He suggests it could have been sold, and the money given to the poor. However, Judas’ concern wasn’t really for the needy. As the disciples’ treasurer, he was known to take money from funds, exposing his self-serving character.

The deeper issue, though, is Judas' attitude toward Jesus. It was after witnessing this anointing at Simon’s house that Judas decided to betray Jesus to the chief priests.

I can’t help but feel some sympathy for Judas - not just because he is a tragic figure, but because the potential for betrayal exists within all of us. I may not be able to imagine committing the same act of disloyalty, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't! I recognise my capacity for shame and failure.

Judas wasn’t helpless or a pawn in a divine plan. He had the ability to resist evil and could have chosen a different path. His story could have continued into the book of Acts and beyond, woven into legend and tradition. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit today for the power to remain a faithful disciple of Jesus. Our story isn’t finished yet!

Let’s pray
Lord, help me recognize the areas where I might be tempted to betray my loyalty to You. Fill me with your Spirit to remain faithful and resist the pull of self-interest. May I always choose you above all else. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper. John 21:20, NKJV

Throughout the Bible, nicknames and name changes are significant, but in the Gospel of John, we encounter something unique. The author refers to himself as “The Disciple whom Jesus loved” or the “Beloved Disciple.” John doesn’t explain this, but it’s clear that he wasn’t seeking attention for himself. Instead, he draws the spotlight away from his own identity, focusing on a defining characteristic of Jesus—his love.

By using this title, John emphasises the transformative power of Jesus’ love in his life. It is through this love that John discovers his true identity and purpose. He reminds both his readers and himself that all disciples of Jesus are loved—truly, wholly, and unconditionally. In doing so, John exemplifies humility by highlighting Jesus rather than himself.

Let’s pray
Lord, help me embrace the depth of your love, so that I may find my true identity and purpose in you. Help me to walk humbly, always prioritising you and pointing others to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"I am the resurrection and the life," John 11:27, NIV

As Jesus’ popularity grew, the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders became increasingly disturbed by the public’s admiration for him. Most troubling to them was his claim to be the Son of God. Though they had witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles, the raising of Lazarus from the dead finally pushed them to take action. When Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," Martha acknowledges him as the Messiah. To the religious leaders, Jesus’ declaration was nothing short of blasphemous. This profound display of divine power and authority revealed Jesus’ identity as God incarnate, prompting them to plot his death.

This moment highlights the contrast between belief and rejection. It also underscores the immense cost of Jesus’ mission. The religious leaders’ decision reflects the lengths to which some will go to suppress the truth when it threatens their own power and control.

What is our response to Jesus’ authority? Do we, like Martha, recognise him as the Messiah? Or are we sometimes blind to the truth he reveals, resisting his authority when it challenges our own?

Let’s pray
Lord, thank you for revealing yourself as the resurrection and the life. Help me to recognise your authority in every aspect of my life and surrender to your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3 NIV

Her husband was powerful. His boss was fearful. But her Saviour, was faithful! Joanna stands out as a woman of bold faith, willing to risk everything for Jesus.

The women in today’s passage were healed by Jesus and responded by supporting him with their resources, travelling with him from town to town, and believing in him from the depths of their hearts. For Joanna, this commitment came with great risk. She was the wife of Chuza, a trusted manager in Herod Antipas’ household. Chuza held a respected position and likely served as a confidant of Herod, the ruthless ruler who had inherited his father’s evil nature. Herod’s father, Herod the Great, was the tyrant who ordered the slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem, fearing the consequences for him of the birth of the Messiah.

Nevertheless, Joanna used her resources to support Jesus. She cared for him, followed him, and was faithful all the way to the cross and the empty tomb that followed. Joanna would undoubtedly have feared Herod, but her faith was greater than her fear.

Let’s pray
Lord, grant me the courage to trust you above all, even when faced with fear or uncertainty. May my faith, like Joanna's, be bold and unwavering. In Jesus’ name. Amen.