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S (SCRIPTURE): Matthew 27:22
Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
O (OBSERVATION): Pilate is attempting to wash his hands of Jesus and the charges against him.
A (APPLICATION): The question is worth asking...even today. Then what should we do with THIS Jesus? I mean Jesus is the trouble maker in our own spiritual lives, inviting us to pray for our enemies, giving away the stuff we think we own, asking us to forgive anybody that asks for forgiveness, telling us that if we want to follow him it will cost us our lives. What are we to do with THIS Jesus?
Lent is a good time to recognize that the cross gets in the way of our own wants and desires and that through the cross we see the pain and agony new life comes through. In the sanctuary of St. Mark's right now lays a 12 foot high cross against the altar. It is fun to watch people try and make their way around it.....it just gets in the way; much like Jesus. When that happens we ask the same question Pilate asked the crowd: "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Good question.
P (PRAYER): Lord, help us to acknowledge that following you ain't easy but then again you never promised it would be.