All the conniving and “˜set-up”™ of Jesus had been accomplished in that last religious trial. They had determined to convict Him and the “˜why”™ now becomes more evident. The charge would have to hold up in the Roman governor”™s judgment. Only Rome could pass the sentence of death on Jesus. The Jews could not execute anyone due to Rome”™s laws.

These Jewish leaders had gone through all kinds of legal “˜hoops”™ to satisfy their sense of religiosity and the Roman governor.

These same leaders did not want to “˜get their hands dirty”™ or be ceremonially unclean. They wanted to eat the Passover meal and that meant they could not do certain things.

(NASB) John 18:28 “Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.”

What are some questions we can consider in our worship and recognition of the living God of the Bible?

1- How often do I keep the laws (whether God”™s, man”™s, or my own concepts) yet miss God”™s intent for His commands in my life?

2- Am I religious ““ keeping all the laws of God OR do I have a relationship with the One Whose laws were given for my protection?

God”™s laws do several things; the following are just two examples:

*God”™s laws prove that all men are sinners ““ it is impossible to keep all of God”™s commandments ““ (NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

*God”™s laws prove that all men are in need of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to satisfy all of God”™s laws as the perfect Son of Man. He came to become the sacrificial substitute in the place of anyone who receives Him as their Savior.

So, are you religious? Or do you have a relationship with the living God Who has provided a way to Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?