Easter Devotional, Week 5: Passover

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:47–27:31

After Jesus finished the Passover meal and wrapped up His teachings, the events of the crucifixion night were set in motion. While Jesus retreated to pray, Judas—one of Jesus’ own disciples—showed up with an army of people to arrest Him. Jesus was immediately escorted to trial before the high priest. Chapter 26 ends with Jesus being condemned by the Sanhedrin and Peter denying that he even knew Him. Matthew 27 concentrates on Jesus’ trial and death. Through injustice and persecution, Jesus remained humble and steadfast in His obedience to the will of the Father. Jesus’ interrogation ends with Pilate granting the religious leaders’ request to sentence Jesus to crucifixion in place of Barabbas, a guilty criminal. With that verdict, Jesus in His innocence was delivered over to death, just as was prophesied. We are all like Barabbas—sinful people who stand guilty before God, but for whom Jesus gave His life in order to pay the price that our sinfulness demands. Because He died, we can live.

How does this text bring clarity when you think both about the identity of Jesus and who we are without Him?

Memory Verses: Luke 23:34; John 17:3

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