PILATE IS SHOWING JESUS to the crowd which is ugly with delight. "Look, here is the man" he announces (John 19:5). Maybe seeing Jesus pummeled, pathetic and crowned with thorns will change their hearts, satisfy their lusts. But through bribery and stupidity the crowd shouts louder, "Let him be crucified," (Matthew 27:23). There is stubborn stupidity everywhere.
Oh Jesus,
forgive the stubborn stupidity of my stereotyping,
of my resentments,
stinginess,
unyielding self-righteousness.
Forgive even the secret
stubbornness
of my life ~
withholding my heart from you ~
which you have always wanted to enter
only to change me by your love.
