Daily Bible Reading – April 2023 God’s Saving Word: HopeEgzanp

April 6

Introduction

Jesus is taken to Pilate, the Roman governor, where he is questioned. Pilate brings Jesus before a crowd and offers them the choice of freeing a criminal or freeing Jesus. The crowd calls for Jesus to be crucified, and Pilate sentences Jesus to death. Meanwhile, Judas hangs himself.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 27:1-26

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 27:26b

After [Pilate] had Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be crucified.

Reflect

Reread verse 24. Pilate washed his hands to claim that he was innocent of sentencing Jesus to death. He wanted to show that it was the people’s decision to put Jesus to death, not his, though the execution could not have happened without his final approval. Has there ever been a time when you failed to take responsibility for something you knew was wrong but allowed to happen anyway? If so, what was the circumstance?

Pray

Holy God, forgive me for the times when I have failed to take responsibility for my sins—for times when I looked to my own interests instead of what you would have me do. Embrace me with your love and grace and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 27:27-56: Jesus is crucified.