So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and ... delivered [Jesus] to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24-26)
It's a horrible thing the crowd shouted: "His blood be on us and on our children!" They meant it as a kind of curse—as if they were saying, "We want this Man dead so badly we are willing to accept the consequences, no matter what."
Could Jesus hear what they said? I think so. He seems to have been really close to the action, either standing next to Pilate or else somewhere nearby where Pilate could go back and forth to ask Him questions.
I wonder what Jesus was thinking.
Because of course, Jesus' blood is exactly what we need—on us and on our children. Jesus' blood, which He willingly shed for us, is what cleanses us from all sin, guilt, and shame, and makes us children of God with clean, new hearts. The crowd thought they were uttering a curse; but through His death and resurrection, Jesus our Savior turned it into a blessing.
WE PRAY: Lord, let Your blood be on me and make me Your own forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever had a blood transfusion? How does that gift of blood, willingly given, save people?
* What does Jesus' blood save you from?
* Why does Jesus keep turning curses into blessings? What drives Him?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 1-3 Luke 9:1-17
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