Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up. The following notes are for your interest and consideration.
Personal comment:
Ever since I heard this story in my youth, I have wondered how my own life connects with this terrible incident in Jesus’ life. Surely, I felt, I could never have made such a condemnation? Later in life I began to realise that if I had been part of the crowd I would probably have joined in without thinking, because I know that too often I have done just this when I should not. I remember thinking that I needed to confess to the Lord that I might have shouted ‘crucify Him!’ if present, and I felt a strange sense of release when I finally admitted this and placed the matter in God’s hands. Now I know that whatever I might or might not have done, Jesus has forgiven my on the Cross, and it means a great deal to me.
Ideas for discipleship programme
- Take a few moments to examine your own heart concerning whether you are someone who ‘joins in with the crowd’ and who might have shouted out with the rest; ‘Crucify Him!’ Ask the Lord for the forgiveness of your sins.
- Give thanks to God for the strength and glory of Jesus Christ, who endured all these things for us. Pray that people in the church today will understand and respect what Christ has done for them, and not treat their redemption lightly.
This day, Lord God, is Your precious gift to each of us. Keep us from falling and fulfil Your purposes in us throughout our lives. Bring us to the end of each day rejoicing, and as Your disciples, may we be glad to be Your servant and praise You through all we do and say. AMEN
Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- Imagine yourself to be Barabbas. What questions might you ask the authorities about what was going on? What would you feel?
- Was Pilate being genuine or devious in washing his hands of Jesus’ blood? What other views do you have of what Pilate did?
- What is your opinion about the charge of ‘deicide’ against the Jews? Is it justified at all?