Handed Over

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. Luke 23:13-25

Creator, you have taught us how to live

giving us food enough for our journeys

a canopy of trees and stars for our sleep

and hearts that can love and forgive.

Many have forgotten your teachings

traveling far to take what is not given

gathering up sacred land and children

bending these to their broken ways.

You never defended yourself or fought

you were handed over for our greed

you laid down your life for the weak ones

so that all could be made strong in you.

Shower us with your humility and love

we need to be drenched with new life

give us new hearts to rejoice in all gifts

in all the beauty you have blessed us with. Amen.