Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 27:11-26

April 19, 2016 Preparing for Sunday

Read Matt 27:11-26, this is the text for Sunday’s sermon.
NOTE: Pilate and the governor are the same person (27:2).
“You have said so” (v.11). Jesus said this before in 26:25 and 26:64. Who were the questioners? Did having the right answer help them? Why or Why not?
“At the feast” (v.15); Which feast? (If you don’t know, do an Internet search or phone a friend!)
“It was out of envy” (v.18); This is a telling statement! What should Pilate do in order that justice might be done? Does he try?
What second witness to Jesus’s innocence does Pilate receive? (v.19) • (v.24) Pilate authorizes the Jews to apply the death penalty. Does this absolve him of guilt? What would his argument be in court? The prosecutor’s response?

“He gave him no answer” How hard would it be to remain silent while falsely accused? What did Jesus’s silence allow or achieve?
“His blood be on us and our children!” (v.25) Name at least two emotions you have after reading this verse.
Is it a good or bad thing to have Jesus’s blood on you? Your children? What about for those calling for it in this text?
Meditate on the difference in application of Christ’s blood. Ponder the elements of God’s wrath and mercy, guilt and justification, and how closely related they are.

If Jesus’s blood is applied to you in grace and forgiveness, realize how close you were to guilt of his blood for wrath alone. Thank God for applying mercy and grace to you through faith in the Blood of Christ, our Passover lamb!
Pray that the Word would be preached from our pulpit, to gain understanding with a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that we are not only convicted of seeing our sin, but even more we would repent and see a perfect and holy God more glorious than all and seek to worship him in truth and love.
Pray for those who will be leading our gathering this week: Dawson Bryant, music; Adam Naler, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Prepare for our gathering on Sunday by reading through the lyrics of the songs and reflect on them, so that you can focus on edifying one another through song and give praise to the King.