Tuesday in Holy Week

The more people whispered – and then shouted – about Jesus, the more the authorities became worried.

The Roman Empire couldn’t have some carpenter’s son claiming to be the “Son of God.” That was a title given only to the Emperor. And even the Jewish authorities – the high priests –could not accept that this humble peasant from Galilee could be the long-awaited Messiah. Especially since his teachings went against what they taught about the Jewish faith!

As Jesus grew more and more popular, the religious and political authorities increasingly  began to trouble his claims, and who people said he was.  First Jesus was questioned, then challenged, then interrogated. In the final days of his life, he was shuffled by armed guards between the temple and palace and courts.

And finally, he was tried – by both the Jewish and Roman authorities. “Who are you?” they asked him, over and over again. Jesus asks them back:

“Who do you say that I am?” 

Jesus does not deny who he is, not even if it could save his life. He will not deny the truth.

What is a truth you would never deny?

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Truth

Have you ever sat in the dark with the light of just a single candle? It’s amazing how much light a flame can bring. Even one tiny light can push back the darkness.

People can do this too. We have a light inside of us that we share with the world. We share light when we act with kindness. When we love. When we stand up for what is right. When we protect someone. When we tell the truth.

When Jesus is being tried by Pilate, the Roman governor, he will explain the purpose of his life: “I came to bear witness to the truth.”

Pilate just shrugs and asks, “What is truth?” For those who live and act in darkness, truth might not seem to matter. Other things seem to matter more, like money or power. 

But those of us who follow Jesus know the answer to Pilate’s question: Jesus is the Truth. He taught, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He shows us what it looks like to walk the way of love. He points us to the Father. He reveals how much light one single person can bring into the world when they live by the truth.

How will you shine in the world today?

Light a candle and sit with the tiny, flickering flame.