The Dream that was Ignored

 

Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. (KJV)

 

            Jesus had been on earth teaching, preaching, and sharing the good news about God for approximately 3 ½ years prior to his arrest. The crowds followed him as he traveled with his disciples taking the time to give them direction for their lives as His Father would have it. His message was of hope, love and redemption, which went against the teachings of the religious leaders who wanted to be bound under the laws of Moses. Jesus was a thorn in their side and they wanted nothing to do with His teachings, but only to silence Him permanently.

 

 

            The Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious leaders conspired against Jesus by playing on the greed of one of His own disciples. Although Judas had spent years being taught by Jesus, his heart was still full of sin and greed. Matthew 26:14-16 ⁽¹⁴⁾Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests (¹⁵⁾and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. (¹⁶⁾From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. (NIV) A disciple, a fellow insider, a student of the Master would be the one to assist in the ultimate betrayal against the Son of God.

            The religious leaders got their wish by carrying out a secret plot to have Jesus arrested and charged with a crime. Judas betrayed him with a kiss and after he was arrested, he was then taken to be questioned in front of the Sanhedrin. After being disgusted at Jesus’ response to their questions, they spit, slapped, and punched him in the face. Jesus was later taken to Pontius Pilate, the governor of Rome. Pilate questioned Jesus, but found no fault with Him. However, he allowed the crowd to have their by choosing between two prisoners for their freedom – Jesus or Barabbas, but not before Pilate’s wife sent him a message concerning a disturbing dream they she recently had.

Pilate’s wife asked him to not have anything to do with this case for Jesus was an innocent man. Matthew 27:19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” (NIV) She could have remained silent, for she probably did not make it a habit of getting into her husband’s affairs. Nevertheless, she was bold by sending him a message to remove himself from the case because he was about to convict an innocent man. But we know how the story ended. Barabbas, a convicted felon was release, while Jesus, a Man who had done no wrong, was sentenced to death. He was innocent of a crime, but guilty of love.

          The Apostle Paul wanted prayer so that he could declare boldly the gospel of Christ. We too should pray that we will be able to speak the message of Christ boldly in a world that rejects even the mere mention of His name. Warriors do not have time to be fearful in the presence of danger. They must take challenges head on in order to not be defeated by the enemy. Acts 28:30-31 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (NIV) Let us ensure that we remain bold in the presence of  wandering souls and set the example that they need to stand bold for Christ.