Episode 212

TODAY’S READING:

Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”

Matthew 27:24

 

Happy Tuesday! Another beautiful prayer in our 15 days devotional series of Easter. We are looking at the story of Jesus and his final days here on earth.

 

This verse has always been so interesting to me.

 

We read yesterday that Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus but that the crowd insisted on charging Jesus with death.

 

Here he is again, but this time he washed his hands before dismissing Jesus. Signifying that he was pure from what was about to happen. Many times, we wash our hands to try and show or prove that we are clean, but our actions say otherwise.

 

We do this when we judge a person on the street corner rather than giving what we can. Someone once told me that when we give to others, we are not to judge what that person will do with what we give them.

 

A lot of times, it’s easier today; I didn’t give it to that person because they were going to waste it regardless. That is an example of washing your hands to justify your actions. When the reality is that Jesus wasn’t worried about what would happen to your money, but instead was asking to see your heart.

 

We are called to serve others, not to judge them. We are called to love others, not to judge them. We are called to lead others to Jesus, not to scold them and judge them for their actions.

 

I hope as you go about your day today, you look for the opportunities to give, rather than an excuse to wash your hands. If we learned anything this past year is that we all need to wash our hands with plenty of soap and for at least 20 seconds; why? Because Water alone can’t rid you of your germs. Jesus sees the heart.

 

PRAYER

Father gives us the opportunity to serve others today. We ask for people to walk into our lives, and we ask for the opportunity to serve them. Thank you for giving us such a beautiful day; thank you for providing for us today. Remind us to check our hearts, check our motives, and always ensure we aren’t washing our hands to justify our poor behavior. We love you with everything in; it is in your holy name that we pray, AMEN!