Thursday, March 17, 2016

Bonus Reading, Matthew

Jesus' Trial and Judas' Suicide      

Today's reading describes the events that happened after Jesus' arrest.  The Jewish leaders took him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, for questioning.  Pilate could find no reason to execute Jesus, and tried to find a way to release him -- through the practice of granting clemency to a convict during Passover.  However, the crowd demanded the release of the Barabbas instead of Jesus.  So Pilate washed his hands and allowed the crucifixion.  While this was going on, the man who betrayed Jesus, Judas, was overcome with guilt and remorse.  He tried to undo the deal, but was unsuccessful.  He threw the money he had received in the Temple and then committed suicide.

Read Matthew 27:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
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