(Matthew 27:24-26 ESV)
“So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ And all the people answered, ‘His blood be on us and on our children!’ Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to be crucified.”
It gives me shivers to think about Jesus standing there, watching Pilate as he washed his hands in front of the crowd. And then the crowd roaring their response: “His blood be on us and on our children!” After this day, what they said would come true—Jesus’ blood would be on us and on our children—not for a curse, but for a blessing. Jesus’ blood shed on the cross would rescue and redeem all of us, every one of us who trusts in Him. We meant it for a curse, but God transformed it into a blessing.
The same with the water. Pilate washed his hands of Jesus to get rid of Him and his own guilt in the situation. But Jesus took that water and transformed it. Now water doesn’t separate us from Jesus—it joins us to Him forever in Baptism. When we wash, we receive Jesus forever—and with Him, love, forgiveness, welcome, and everlasting life.
How wonderful it is that God can take a curse and turn it into a blessing!
We pray: Lord, You amaze me. Thank You for Your goodness to me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When you think of blood, is it usually in a positive way or a negative one? Why?
* When you think of water, is it usually positive or negative? Why?
* When have you seen God take a curse in your own life and transform it into a blessing?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 29, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights