The madness around us shows the need for something better

Trouble in the streets? Wild demonstrations with irresponsible actions? People becoming vulgar and saying things they would not in a respectful and God honoring home. A crowd that seems to have come together at great cost in an organized manner. This seems to be happening in increasing frequency, even in mature democracies and perceived civil societies like the United States.

A similar thing happened in Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago. The mob was even prepared to release a murderer. The Roman leadership of the time was initially not prepared to submit to the mob's demand to crucify Jesus.

Luke 23:18-19
And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”— who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

This crowd did not like Jesus. Pilate was not ready to do the illogical thing of executing Jesus. Pilate found a way out and gained a friend by sending Him to Herod, who also found no fault in Jesus.

Luke 23:4-5
So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.” But they were the more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

When Jesus was before Herod, Herod was hoping to see some miracles from Jesus. Different people and different minds. But, the crowd almost seemed possessed demanding the death of an innocent and righteous man. Even another criminal that was crucified next to Jesus recognized this and sought Jesus' blessings. In the end the Roman leaders had to exclaim that it was a mistake, but it was too late.

Luke 23:46-47
And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’” Having said this, He breathed His last. So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!”

Father, thank you for your love for me on the cross. The madness in the world needs you. I pray that in this season of the world there will be a great surge of your gospel message being shared worldwide.

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