Mob Mentality

Matthew 27:23,24 Then Pilate asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” (NRSV)

The central message of Easter – God’s love and grace in sending Jesus to pay the price of your sin and mine – can be a tough one to wrap your heart around. So today let’s take a look at it from God’s perspective.

Of all the things I see on the nightly television news, I think it’s angry mobs rampaging through the streets, beating people, smashing cars, hurling bottles, that I find most distressing.

It happened a few years ago close to home. These “race riots” as they were dubbed were reported on news bulletins across the globe, and within days the government had passed tough new laws. That’s life.

But there’s nothing new in this. Imagine for a moment that you’re God. You send your Son, Jesus, to earth as a man to save people like you and me and the ones in that mob.

They bring Him up on false charges. He’s found not guilty. Then an angry mob – people who just days before were singing His praises –chant “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.”

Matthew 27:23,24 Then Pilate asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” (NRSV)

The incredible injustice of mob rule led to the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, innocent of any wrongdoing.

You are God … would you stand for it? Not me – I’d have passed some tough new laws. But God … He willingly gave the life of His Son to pay the price of justice for you and for me. It’s just not the way I would’ve done it. But God did. He called it grace.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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