What Shall I Do . . . with Jesus?
Scripture Reading — Matthew 27:15-26
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.
Pilate’s job was to keep peace in Jerusalem. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to be executed for blasphemy. But Pilate could find no crime in him. The leaders stirred the crowd to demand Jesus’ execution and Barabbas’s release. Pilate tried talking sense to the people. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” And they all kept shouting “Crucify him!”
Pilate finally gave up, gave in, and tried to wash his hands of the matter. History won’t let him do that, however—and ever since that day Pilate’s question demands our answer.
The Apostles’ Creed asserts that Jesus “was crucified, died, and was buried,” and on “the third day he rose again from the dead” and later “ascended to heaven.” And now, through his Spirit, Jesus makes his home with us wherever we are. Our resurrected Savior has come to fill our lives; he won’t just settle for a two-minute prayer and a few Scripture verses for our day. Jesus wants far more of us and has much more for us.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus?” We can meet him in his Word as we read and study it and hear it preached. We can worship Christ by seeing the glory of creation. We can also seek ways to worship Christ not only on Sundays but every day. Pondering this question can be a great help for our relationship with Jesus!
Dear Jesus, what shall we do with you? How shall we live today in your presence? We need to be with you and worship you daily. Please help us, for your sake. Amen.
About the author — Norman F. Brown
Chaplain Norman F. Brown graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, in 1969. He served aboard destroyers during the Vietnam conflict and ashore in San Diego, Calif., as an instructor. By then God had made clear his call to work in pastoral ministry, and Norman entered Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in 1980. Chaplain Brown pastored churches during his ministry career but spent most of his time as a navy chaplain. During one assignment he served three years at Holy Loch, Scotland, where he and his wife, Ruth, encountered the Iona Community and their emphasis on spiritual disciplines. Chaplain and Mrs. Brown have three married children and nine grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!