Lenten Devotional: March 23, 2026

by Mandy Houston

Scripture: Matthew 27:13-26 NIV

Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat,his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Reflection:

At first glance, Pilate might appear unbiased in this passage. He may even score a few points for his dramatic interpretation of fairness and honesty. As we dive deeper, what was the true condition of Pilate’s heart?

Pilate did try to find his own way of avoiding Jesus’ condemnation. He offered the crowd another choice, but did Pilate stand up for innocent Jesus who he knew had received false charges against Him by the religious leaders? Nope.

Pilate’s wife even sent a message to warn her husband, but Pilate’s self focus and fear intensified as he asked the bloodthirsty crowd what he should do with Jesus. They answered, “Crucify him!”

Pilate revealed the true state of his heart when he chose his own way out, shifting the responsibility to the crowd and justifying that he could wash his hands and declare himself innocent of Jesus’ blood. Pilate is now known as the crowd-pleasing coward who handed Jesus over for crucifixion. Pilate could not wash his hands clean. Nothing but the blood of Jesus cleanses sinners.

It’s easy to judge Pilate, isn’t it? Have we ever gone our own way? Do we ever choose to remain neutral instead of boldly standing for Jesus? We must make a choice. When we choose indifference to Jesus, we are rejecting Him. As we reflect on the trial and judgement of our innocent, sinless Savior, let’s look inward. What is the true condition of our hearts as we prepare for Holy Week?

Application:

In what areas of your life are you remaining neutral towards Jesus? How will you trust God with any indifferences holding you back from having a full heart for Him?

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A Lenten Invitation from Pastor Bob

• Set aside time each Monday for prayer. Step away from distractions and enter into God’s presence, remembering that apart from Him we are lost. Spend time not only in confession, but also in quiet listening for God’s voice.

• Loosen the grip of sin through generosity. Release your attachment to the riches of this world and return your treasures to God. This is not to earn favor, but to free your heart from the hold the world can have on you.

• Practice fasting on Mondays. Set aside the things that normally claim your attention and instead focus fully on God, offering Him your time, your thoughts, and your devotion.