Slices
Prepare
Every day, we make choices, some of them minor with little consequence, others major with significant implications for our life and future. How we respond to Jesus is perhaps the biggest choice of all. How will you respond to Jesus today?
Bible passage
Jesus before Pilate
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’
‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.
12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’
20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
21 ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor.
‘Barabbas,’ they answered.
22 ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.
They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’
23 ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate.
But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’
25 All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’
26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Explore
The second trial takes place before Pilate, the Roman governor. The Jewish leaders cannot condemn Jesus to death themselves. They need the authority of Pilate, who is aware of their mixed motives and reluctant to condemn an innocent man (v 24).
Jesus, showing great self-restraint during his cross-examination, remains silent ‘as a sheep before its shearers is silent’ (Isaiah 53:7). Looking to resolve his dilemma, Pilate offers the crowd a choice (v 17): to release Barabbas (the murderer and insurrectionist) or Jesus (the gentle rabbi from Galilee). Stirred up by their religious leaders, and perhaps associates of the criminal, the noisy mob call for the release of guilty Barabbas. Innocent Jesus is flogged and handed over to be crucified (v 26).
Pilate washes his hands of the matter but is still responsible for the death of Jesus, as we all are because of our sin. Not only did Jesus take the place of Barabbas on the cross; as our Saviour, he took my place and yours.
Respond
Ponder today this great truth, sometimes called the ‘great exchange’ and expressed in this great hymn: ‘Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned he stood, sealed my pardon with his blood: Hallelujah, what a Saviour!’*
*Philip Bliss (1838–76)
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Joshua 1–3; Psalm 37
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for wisdom for the SU North team as they look for ways to grow the number of residential events and Faith Guide holidays as a way to introduce children and young people to Jesus. Please pray for the provision of leaders, team and venues.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
