THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:11-19
“That innocent man… for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (Matthew 27:19)
I find something very encouraging in this story about Pilate’s wife.
She is a Gentile, she has no interest in a Jewish messiah, and yet God speaks to her in a dream.
I understand her suffering not to be God tormenting her, but impressing on her Jesus’ innocence.
God reveals Jesus to her and she can’t get Him out of her mind… and heart?
According to some traditions, she eventually became a Jesus follower.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church she is even recognized as Saint Claudia (or Saint Procula).
True or not, what we see here is how God does not just speak to those who know Him.
I am encouraged to remember that God is speaking to those I know, who do not know Him.
As an interesting parallel, we read how Jesus is speaking to Muslims today through dreams.
The Spirit of Jesus still speaks today, and you don’t have to be a Christian to hear Him.
We also see this when the centurion at the cross affirms Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 27:54)
This as a huge encouragement as I share my faith: the Spirit is already at work!
Instead of telling someone about Jesus, try asking them what they know about Jesus.
You may discover the Lord has already started the work of opening their hearts and minds to Him!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for thinking it is up to me to make someone believe. Thank You for reminding me that You are already witnessing to peoples’ hearts and minds, and I can build on what You are doing in them!
God moves in mysterious ways.
Pilate was amazed that Jesus was silent to the charges.
Pilate also knew that the religious leaders had brought Jesus to him out of their self interests.
And then there was this dream that his wife had, to have nothing to do with the innocent man. Remember Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and how God spoke? And here once again God speaks, but do we have ears, eyes, heart to listen. Pilate’s wife , who was probably outside the loop, hearing nothing about the ongoing affair, yet sent words of truth to her husband.
God at work through his instruments showing the way. And yet. . .
Are we in tune with the leading?
God is always at work among the nations.
Are we, am I receptive to His leading?
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.