There is a Christian failure to distinguish between socializing and fellowship. Although socializing is often both a part of and the context of fellowship, it is possible to socialize without having fellowship. Socializing involves the sharing of human and earthly life. Christian fellowship, New Testament koinonia, involves the sharing of spiritual life. Don’t misunderstand- socializing is a valuable asset to the church and necessary for a balanced life. But we have gone beyond giving socializing the place it deserves. We have become willing to accept it as a substitute for fellowship, almost cheating ourselves of the Christian birthright of true fellowship altogether.
Donald S. Whitney

52 TWO MEN ON TRIAL

52 TWO MEN ON TRIAL F O O T ================================

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READING 52 TWO MEN ON TRIAL —————————————————————- PRAY Teach me more of your way for me, heavenly Father. —————————————————————- READ Luke 22:66-23:25. —————————————————————- THINK What is there in the behaviour of Jesus, Pilate or Herod which guides you in your own responses to sticky situations? —————————————————————- FOCUS Pilate and Herod are the ones who stand on trial in today’s reading. Let’s see how they show up. NAME: Pontius Pilate. CHARGE: Cowardice. VERDICT: ‘Guilty!’ To put it very simply: He knew what was right, but didn’t do it. He knew that the accusations against Christ in verse 2 were rubbish; he knew Christ was completely innocent; but he could not bring himself to say the words which would have set Christ free. Three times he gave his verdict, ‘Not guilty’ (4,14,22). Then why not let Jesus go? Why offer to ‘have him whipped’ (16,22)? Why hand him over? Because he was afraid of the crowd. Ask yourself: have I ever tolerated wrong for the sake of peace and quiet? NAME: Herod Antipas. CHARGE: ‘Idle curiosity!’ VERDICT: ‘Guilty!’ Herod was only looking for some sensation. He wasn’t interested in Christ as Saviour or as Messiah. He wanted to see a show (8). He refused to take Jesus seriously. Instead he and his men entertained themselves at Jesus’ expense, then sent him back to Pilate. The mood is captured very well in the show ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Pilate knew what he ought to do and was afraid to do it. Herod only wanted to be entertained. These don’t seem great sins but they helped to crucify Jesus. —————————————————————- PRAY Resolve with God’s help, that you will always stand for truth, whatever the cost.