PODCAST
Blood On Our Hands
September 15th, 2021
Matthew 27:15-26
Pilate’s custom was to release a prisoner. His wife urged him to release Jesus. Even after the crowd calls for Barabbas to be released, Pilate offers a way out to Jesus. Pilate seems torn, trying to find a way to release Jesus. Finally, resolutely, Pilate washes his hands, declaring himself, “innocent of this man’s blood” (v. 24b). Interestingly, if we step back to the story of Cain, we hear God say, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground” (4:10b).
The genesis of humanity and the death of Jesus, who is our second Adam, are irrevocably linked by the themes of death and blood. Our very DNA is coded toward sin, destruction, and death. As Wesleyans, we embrace a doctrine of free will, believing that the great grace of God makes a way for us to choose life over death. We are not bound to death. God has given us the grace to choose life.
Faced with our sin, we can try to wash our hands or we can ask God to cleanse our hearts.
Author: Teanna Sunberg
