Matthew 27:24-26, Pilate Delivers Jesus to be Crucified

24 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.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

Comments

A defeated Pilate, afraid of losing the control of the crowd, let them have their way. In a symbolic act he declared himself innocent. The crowd accepted their own responsibility and declared their own guilt. Yet Pilate, as leader, was as guilty as they were.

The word “scourged” concealed a horrific reality of being flayed to the bone with a multi-corded whip, barbed with lumps of lead and pieces of bone that tore into the flesh. This scourging was the preliminary stage before the death sentence of crucifixion.

Prayer

Thou whose eternal love for our weak and struggling race was most perfectly shown forth in the blessed life and death of Jesus Christ our Lord, enable me now so to meditate upon my Lord’s passion that, having fellowship with him in his sorrow, I may also learn the secret of his strength and peace.

John Baillie, 18860-1960