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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 5, 2008 SERVANT HEART |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, March 5, 2008 by Penny Risen
Matthew 27: 15-23
The fates of two powerful people and two prisoners met
that day in Jerusalem:
Pilate looked down on the packed square, and the heated, raw emotion of the
crowd filled his ears. “Give us Barabbas! Nail the Nazarene to the cross!” the
mob shouted.
The choice was his as Rome’s prefect, according to the old custom during the
Passover feast. This leader who hated Jews and their customs could pardon a
single prisoner named by the crowd. Pilate’s decision would effect how peaceful
the packed city remained during the festival weeks. “Keep the people under
control, that’s your only objective,” Pilate’s thoughts told him over and over.
Placed before Pilate by the Temple’s elders was One that he knew merely as a
wandering preacher, Jesus, the captive so-called Christ. The other man,
Barabbas, was infamous for murder and insurrection --- a troublemaker in
Pilate’s judgment. Pilate realized it was through spite and jealousy that the
high priests had turned Jesus over to him; he also saw Barabbas as a blot on his
service record in Rome’s territory.
“While court was still in session, Pilate's wife sent him a message:
‘Don't get mixed up in judging this noble man Jesus.
I've just been through a long and troubled night because of a dream about Him.’
“ Matthew 27: Verse 19
We know how Pilate reacted: He listened to the shouting mob, the scheming high priests and the envious elders. He set free a guilty and notorious criminal. He followed his instincts as an experienced and trained Roman leader. In his mind, Pilate made a political choice to keep order in Jerusalem: He sent Jesus to be crucified rather than face a riot.
But what made Pilate ignore his wife’s feelings? Was he angry to have her inject herself into his work and into politics? Did he discount her inner voice as real and sincere? Did he suspect she had sympathies for this Jew named Jesus?
Pilate didn’t listen to the quiet, cautionary plea of his wife, Claudia Procula, to leave Jesus alone. This noblewoman was severely distressed by a dream, our sole New Testament reference to her says, and she dreaded what consequences the incident might have for her husband. Jesus was “a just and upright man, innocent, noble, righteous,” various Bible translations noted Claudia as saying in Christ’s defense.
She might have heard of His good works and miracles through years of palace gossip. Perhaps her friends or staff had recounted stories of Jesus’ healing actions and wise words. Jesus’ works challenged the status quo and stirred dissent among the elders.
Her voice alone was heard asking to spare Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel narrative, Claudia was given a pivotal and passionate role in casting doubt on Pilate’s choice. She spoke not as a politician or a spoiled regal spouse --- she called for mercy with an unselfish servant’s heart. Claudia isn’t a Biblical metaphor; she’s a living, breathing witness for Christ.
In her dream, Claudia was shown what was right by God. The Holy Spirit touched her and changed her heart so profoundly that she could not be still. She risked speaking up to her powerful husband just as Pilate was to rule on how to dispatch this troublesome prisoner who called Himself the Messiah. Her new relationshipship with God called her to do something, to bravely act with conviction.
Claudia, who may not have been convinced at first that Jesus was the Son of God, believed enough in His righteousness to cross the line of Roman decorum and to act as servant to the God of Israel to defend Jesus’ innocence.
Barabbas went free that day in Jerusalem, and Jesus served God’s will to be ransomed for our sins. Bible scholars tell us that Pilate later was recalled to Rome and was tried for crimes while in office. But Claudia apparently was so changed by the encounter in her dream that she became a believer.
This daughter of wealth and position, who came from the lineage of Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, became a Christian. She followed the One that her husband had rejected and condemned. To this day, Claudia with her servant heart is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church for her bravery and her advocacy of Jesus Christ’s ministry on Earth.
As we reflect on how one woman’s vision changed her servant heart, let’s remember how we too are called to boldly declare and defend our beliefs. We can stand up for Jesus and our faith when it’s the least convenient time or place, and the most politically incorrect. We can give our time and our gifts graciously and generously. We can speak the Good News to others, and we can serve Him in mercy and with passion.
Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, I know You sent Your Son as a servant for all and to ransom my sins. Grant me a servant heart to speak bravely in Jesus Christ’s name and to act with mercy. Your Will be done. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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