Part 1
Listen
Play audio.
Action
Sit and try to quiet your mind as you listen to the crowd shouting. After you have finished reading, stop the audio and move to the next part of this station.
Read
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he 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.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Matthew 27:11-26
So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Matthew 27:11-26
Part 2
Reflect
What was it like listening to the crowd? Were you annoyed? Can you sympathize with Pilate wanting to just give in?
In what ways do we give in and take the easy and lazy road even if it means being part of injustice?
Action
Find your way to a sink and ‘wash your hands’ taking the time to fully experience the water on your hands. Think of the areas in your life where you act like Pilate – and participate in injustice because it’s easier than fighting for what is right.
