Opening Prayer

Loving God, as we reflect on Jesus’ Bound Hands and the attempts to control Him, we see Your Great Love. Help us trust You in times of uncertainty, knowing that Your Love prevails. Thank You for the Sacrificial Love of Jesus. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, love, and unwavering worship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Scripture

Devotion

Right in the heart of a prominent London church, there hangs a painting called Ecce Homo, meaning Behold the Man. Jesus, the central figure, stands with bound hands while surrounding Him are depicted the hands of the high priest, soldiers, and the crowd. Our reading reveals how various individuals sought to control Jesus, yet the one with bound hands is the one truly in control.

Consider the ways in which the characters in our reading seek to control Jesus’ fate. The chief priests and the elders of the people conspire to have Jesus executed (v.1). Judas believes that he is responsible for shedding Jesus’ Innocent Blood, and in remorse hangs himself (v.4). Pilate believes he had the authority during the trial. The crowd clamoured their opinion: “Crucify Him” (v.22). The soldiers subjected Jesus to unspeakable acts of mockery, spitting and striking.

But in the Gospel of Matthew Jesus predicted His Death at least four times. Jesus was struck, spat on, scourged, mocked and crucified, because Jesus allowed them to happen. He died because it was His Will to die for our sins. I hope you can see the Amazing Love of God in Jesus Christ. I hope you will thank Him, love Him, and worship Him. I hope you’ll trust Him when things seem out of control, knowing that the One who loves you reigns on the throne of God.

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for the heart position of humility, in such a way that we do not cheapen our own worth or value within, but that we take the position that we are here for a greater purpose than just our own gain. We pray that You will emphasize for us what it truly means to live a humble life, and that our own worth will be revealed by Your Light. It is only then that we may truly live in freedom and right standing, for we will then hold our own values correctly. Lord, we welcome You to mold and secure our hearts in true humility by Your Leading us into true repentance. As we remember and contemplate the Last Supper, we come to You with hearts of repentance, recognising the Body that was broken for our sins and celebrate the Body of Christ, represented by Your Worldwide Church and the Blood representing forgiveness and the New Covenant. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!