Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphus to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them… John 18:28-29a
I can hardly believe it. The Jews would not enter Pilate’s palace in order to avoid ceremonial uncleanness while their hands were already soiled with innocent blood. How ridiculous that these so-called men of God could be so strict about ritual, and at the same time carry out the greatest atrocity since the creation of the world. How arrogant! Clinging to a god of their own making while rejecting the very God who made them.
Unfortunately, there are many today who continue to put on the show – trying to appear as clean when their hearts are steeped in sin.
In actuality, we have all done it.
What married couple hasn’t fought on the way to church and stopped the moment they walked in the door? What pastor or Sunday School teacher hasn’t stood before others speaking of righteousness when he did God knows what the night before? Will we ever learn? To love God with our whole hearts – this is the ritual He requires.
Lord, forgive me for the ways I have put on the show. Too many times I have worried about my image when I have forgotten the image in which I was made. Help me to live a life that looks the same in the mirror as it does to those around me. Wash me clean for I have not lived the clean life to which I have been called.