Crucify Him

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

Popularity is a strange thing. Popular people can do and say horrible things and get away with it. Particularly if they are rich and famous. They can spout violence and incite people to riot. Yet, a humble person, brought up on false charges can wither away or die in prison. We see this in our lives today. Crowds can get riled up to do terrible acts of violence and treason. We need to be humble enough to be with those who are unnoticed and neglected. 

Mysterious Creator, your world is spinning round

containing forces of good and forces of evil

and you put us on this fertile round island

with instructions to love and bear good fruit.

We see that popularity gives rise to cruelty

that money talks louder than all compassion

that life is very cheap among the poorest

and too many blessed ones are being lost.

Help us to move from the crowd to the edges

to the places of great suffering and neglect

so that your love might flourish and grow

and the world see your presence here among us now. Amen.