Bill's Bible Blog

At our church this weekend @summitchurch.com the Easter message by our pastor @jdgreear.com was from the Luke account of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. He pointed out that there were 5 attitudes exhibited toward Jesus during His trials.

First was Pilate the Preoccupied. He was more concerned about everything else other than delivering justice for Jesus.

Next was King Herod the Superficial. He was interested in Jesus more as entertainment, hoping that Jesus would perform some miracle for him. In response, Jesus didn’t even speak with him.

Then there were the Chief Priests and Scribes, the religious leaders of the Jews. They felt their power and influence were threatened by Jesus, so they were openly antagonistic toward Him and incited the crowds to demand His execution.

Then there was Barabbas the Oblivious. He didn’t really know what was going on, just that he was released to be allowed to continue his life of crime and rebellion. He represents all of us in that Jesus died for his sins too, as well as ours in the midst of our own life of sin and rebellion against God.

Lastly there was Simon the Cyrenian who was drafted to carry Jesus’ cross when it became obvious He was too exhausted to do it Himself. We can call him the Obedient since other references show that he was or became a disciple of Jesus.

It occurred to me that these disparate attitudes toward the chosen Person of God, might be similar to the range of attitudes people have toward the Plan of God for the salvation of the world.

What about you? Do an attitude check. Where do you think you fall on the continuum of attitudes from Oblivous to Obedient toward the Great Commission? Check with God through prayer. Do you feel His desire for you to move one step closer to Him in this area? How do you think you can take that next step?