Moment of Meditation: Handwashing (Matthew 27:24-26)

''So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24-26)''

Pilate does the only thing he can do to save his job and possibly his life. He washes his hands of Jesus. Literally. He takes out a basin of water and declares himself innocent of the guilt of Jesus' blood.

Basically a reverse Baptism. Not being washed in the blood of the Lamb. Washing off the Lamb's blood. Not wanting it on him.

Pilate only saw guilt concerning the execution of an innocent man. He could not see the Lamb of God standing before him. Taking away his sins with his wrongful death. Pilate wanted nothing to do with Jesus after he could not free Him.

In your Baptism, you aren't washed free of Jesus. You are covered in Jesus' blood and righteousness. Your guilt is taken away. You are declared sinless in Christ.

Exactly what Pilate wanted. Except he tried to do it backwards. Yours is not the work that forgives your sin. Christ's work forgives your sin. Washing you clean to live before Him in holiness forever. Amen.