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Devotional

Day 1: The Mirror of Self-Examination

In our spiritual journey, self-examination is a vital practice that mirrors the unexpected introspection required in the pastor's history class. Just as students were asked to honestly assess their efforts, we are called to examine our relationship with Jesus. This process requires honesty and humility before God, as it determines our eternal standing. By looking inward, we can identify areas where we need to grow and align ourselves more closely with Christ's teachings. This self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about seeking truth and transformation in our walk with God.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life that you have been avoiding examining? How can you invite God into this area for growth and transformation today?

Day 2: The Pivotal Question of Life

Pilate's question, "What shall I do with Jesus?" is not just a historical inquiry but a deeply personal and relevant question for each of us. This question transcends all others because it directly impacts our eternal destiny. Our response to Jesus—whether we accept Him as Savior and King or reject Him—defines our spiritual journey and ultimate fate. This decision demands urgency and sincerity, as it is the most significant choice we will ever make. It challenges us to consider where we stand with Christ and how we will respond to His call.

Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"

Reflection: How have you personally answered the question, "What shall I do with Jesus?" What steps can you take today to deepen your commitment to Him?

Day 3: The Great Exchange

The narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion highlights the profound exchange that took place: the innocent Jesus took the place of the guilty Barabbas, symbolizing the substitutionary atonement for all humanity. This act of grace is the cornerstone of the Gospel, offering us freedom and righteousness in exchange for our sin. It is a call to embrace this gift with gratitude and faith, recognizing the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice for us. By accepting this exchange, we are invited into a new life of freedom and righteousness.

1 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for the great exchange Jesus made for you? How can this gratitude be reflected in your daily actions and interactions with others?

Day 4: The Strength in Silence

Pilate's amazement at Jesus' composure and wisdom during His trial reflects the divine nature of Christ. Jesus' silence and strength in the face of false accusations fulfill prophecy and demonstrate His submission to God's will. This challenges us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan even when faced with trials and accusations. Jesus' example teaches us the power of silence and strength in adversity, encouraging us to rely on God's wisdom and timing rather than our own understanding.

Isaiah 53:7 (ESV): "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth."

Reflection: When faced with trials or accusations, how can you draw strength from Jesus' example of silence and composure? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's plan during difficult times?

Day 5: The Urgency of Now

The sermon concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's prompting to respond to Jesus is not indefinite. Just as Pilate had a moment to choose, we too have a limited time to decide our response to Christ. The urgency of this decision is underscored by the reality that life is fleeting, and the opportunity for salvation is now. It's an invitation to surrender to Jesus and find true life in Him, recognizing that the time to act is today, not tomorrow.

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV): "As it is said, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.'"

Reflection: What is one decision or action you have been delaying in your spiritual life? How can you respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting today, without delay?

Sermon Summary

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In this sermon, the pastor reflects on a personal experience from a history class where the final exam question was unexpectedly introspective, asking students to grade themselves based on their effort. This leads to a deeper exploration of the ultimate "final exam" that every person will face: the question of what they have done with Jesus. The sermon draws from Matthew 27, focusing on Pilate's encounter with Jesus and the decision he faced. Pilate's question, "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" is presented as the pivotal question for all humanity. The sermon emphasizes that our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny. It highlights the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, underscoring His innocence and the unjust suffering He endured for humanity's sins. The pastor urges listeners to consider their own response to Jesus, emphasizing the urgency and importance of making a decision before it's too late.

Key Takeaways

1. Examination:** The unexpected exam question in the pastor's history class serves as a metaphor for the introspection required in our spiritual lives. Just as the students had to honestly assess their efforts, we must examine our relationship with Jesus. This self-examination is crucial because it determines our eternal standing. It's a reminder that our spiritual journey requires honesty and humility before God.

2. The Ultimate Question:
Pilate's question, "What shall I do with Jesus?" is not just historical but deeply personal and relevant to each of us. This question transcends all others because it directly impacts our eternal destiny. Our response to Jesus—whether we accept Him as Savior and King or reject Him—defines our spiritual journey and ultimate fate. It's a decision that demands urgency and sincerity.

3. The Innocent for the Guilty:
The narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion highlights the profound exchange that took place: the innocent Jesus took the place of the guilty Barabbas, symbolizing the substitutionary atonement for all humanity. This act of grace is the cornerstone of the Gospel, offering us freedom and righteousness in exchange for our sin. It's a call to embrace this gift with gratitude and faith.

4. The Astonishment of Pilate:
Pilate's amazement at Jesus' composure and wisdom during His trial reflects the divine nature of Christ. Jesus' silence and strength in the face of false accusations fulfill prophecy and demonstrate His submission to God's will. This challenges us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan even when faced with trials and accusations.

5. The Urgency of Decision:
The sermon concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's prompting to respond to Jesus is not indefinite. Just as Pilate had a moment to choose, we too have a limited time to decide our response to Christ. The urgency of this decision is underscored by the reality that life is fleeting, and the opportunity for salvation is now. It's an invitation to surrender to Jesus and find true life in Him.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Matthew 27:11-26
- Isaiah 53:7
- 1 Corinthians 15:3

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**Observation Questions:**

What was the question Pilate asked the crowd regarding Jesus, and why is it significant?
How did Jesus respond to the accusations made against Him during His trial?
What was Pilate's reaction to Jesus' demeanor during the trial, and what does this reveal about Jesus' character?
Describe the exchange that took place between Jesus and Barabbas. What does this symbolize?

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**Interpretation Questions:**

Why is Pilate's question, "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" considered the ultimate question for humanity?
How does Jesus' silence during His trial fulfill the prophecy mentioned in Isaiah 53:7, and what does this teach us about His mission?
In what ways does the exchange between Jesus and Barabbas illustrate the concept of substitutionary atonement?
How does Pilate's decision reflect the tension between political power and moral truth, and what can we learn from his choice?

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your own life: How do you respond to the question, "What shall I do with Jesus?" What steps can you take to ensure your response aligns with your faith?
Consider a time when you faced a difficult decision that required you to choose between what is easy and what is right. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now?
Jesus' silence in the face of false accusations demonstrated His submission to God's will. How can you practice this kind of trust and submission in your own life, especially during challenging times?
The sermon emphasized the urgency of making a decision about Jesus. What distractions or hesitations might be preventing you from fully committing to your faith, and how can you address them?
The exchange between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes the grace we receive through Christ. How can you live out this grace in your daily interactions with others?
Pilate was amazed by Jesus' composure. When was the last time you were truly amazed by Jesus, and how can you cultivate a sense of wonder and reverence in your spiritual journey?
The sermon highlighted the importance of self-examination in our spiritual lives. What practical steps can you take to regularly assess and deepen your relationship with Jesus?

Sermon Quotes

"We all are going to have a final exam one day. The Bible is clear that each of us will one day be examined by the One who created us. And when we are examined, there will only be one question: 'What did you do with Jesus?'"

"The question will not be: How did you compare to others? How good a person were you? Did your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds? Did you go to church? There will be just one question."

"Pilate articulates the question that every person has to face, 'What should I do with Jesus?' And to not answer it is to answer it. It’s a timed exam; you have to answer before your time runs out."

"Jesus stands before Pilate as innocent and Pilate stands before Jesus as guilty. Pilate thinks water is enough to wash the blood of Jesus off his hands, but only the blood of Jesus can do that."

"Barnabas is a picture of me and you. We all have sinned. We all deserve to be punished for our sin. But Jesus traded places with us. He took our sin, our place, and our punishment."

"The physical suffering was real, but it was the suffering under the wrath of God that made the cross the defining moment in all of human history. Jesus took the wrath from God that we deserved."

"This is the gospel—the greatest exchange in the history of the universe: Jesus took on all the wrath of God, and in return, He offers us the forgiveness of our sins and the free gift of His righteousness."

"Pilate had his moment. He could have answered the question differently. Pilate could have been saved but instead, he bent his knee and confessed that Caesar is lord. He chose the easy way, not the right way."

"The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. If the Holy Spirit is asking you today, 'What are you going to do with Jesus?' I pray that you will answer, 'I will surrender my life to Him as my Savior and my King.'"

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