Daily Bible Reading — Sustained By God’s Word Of HopeSample

April 19

Introduction

The council leaders take Jesus to Pilate for questioning. Pilate, finding no reason to condemn Jesus, sends him to Herod. The chief priests bring charges against him, and Jesus refuses to answer the charges. Jesus is returned to Pilate, the crowd calls for his crucifixion, and Pilate sentences Jesus to death. The soldiers lead Jesus away and nail him to a cross. Two criminals are also crucified with Jesus, and one of them receives Jesus’s promise that he will be in Paradise with Jesus.

Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:43 (GNT)

Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.”

Today’s Reading

Luke 23:1-43

Reflect

Initially, Pilate could find no reason to condemn Jesus. Why did he then sentence Jesus to death? What did his action reveal about his character? Have you ever felt pressured to do something even though it went against your conscience? What did the two criminals who were being crucified say to Jesus? Why did Jesus promise one of the criminals that he would be in Paradise with him?

Pray

Lord Jesus, for my sake you were sentenced to death by crucifixion even though you were innocent. You even prayed for God to forgive those who had tortured and crucified you. Thank you, Jesus, for your undying and sacrificial love for me. With a humble and grateful heart, I praise and magnify your holy name. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those attending Good Friday services

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 23:44-56: Jesus dies and is buried.