READ Matthew 27
Pilate tries Jesus then hands Him over to be crucified.

INSIGHT
Proverbs 20:17 says, “Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person, but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.” If ever a person illustrates that truth, Judas does. Some mysterious passion burns in his breast to betray Jesus. Whether Judas seeks political ambition or mere lust for money, we do not know. But later, his remorse is so great that he throws the money away and hangs himself. We must remember Judas when illicit desire burns within us. Such desire always promises more than it delivers; it always turns to gravel in our mouths.

PRAYER
The sacrifice which Jesus made for us took tremendous courage, for which we praise Him:
Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!  
You have covered the heavens with your majesty.  
When I observe your heavens,
the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,
which you set in place, what is a human being
that you remember him,
a son of man that you look after him?
Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!
(Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9).

Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from the power of sin:
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;
do not discipline me in your wrath.  
Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am weak;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking;  
my whole being is shaken with terror.  
And you, Lord — how long?
(Psalm 6:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• The leading of the Lord in your life
• Opportunities for personal evangelism
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
let’s rejoice and be glad in it
(Psalm 118:24).