Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 23:18-23 | 18 Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” 19 (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” 23 But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed.
The root of the misunderstanding that led Jewish leaders to seek Jesus’ death, however, was culpable. Theological differences were at play, but so was the pride and jealousy of people threatened by Jesus’ capacity to heal and teach. The brilliance of His instruction irked them, for it was accessible to children and the unlearned, yet profound and challenging for the scholars. His miracles of healing were beyond their spiritual capacity and their understanding. His attacks on self-righteousness and emphasis on mercy undermined their approach to holiness, which included a serious regimen of the rule following and an achievable perfection.
There was a willful desire not to see the beauty and grace of Jesus’ ministry, or hear the goodness and truth of His teaching. Yet our Lord is eager for God to forgive this also!
When have you decided not to see or hear, out of pride or
jealousy or self-righteousness?
Confess these moments to your Heavenly Father.
