Mark 15:11-13

Mark 15:11-13: “11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.””

Nothing good comes from insisting on getting our own way. Our natural desires can be selfish, short-sighted, and driven by what feels best in the moment. God sees what we cannot see, and His desires for us are far better. May we learn to surrender to His plan rather than pushing our own.

After Jesus was convicted of blasphemy, He was delivered to Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews, to which He replied, “You have said so.” Jesus remained silent as Pilate addressed the accusations brought against Him. He knew this was God’s will. The people asked for the release of Barabbas, as it was customary to release a prisoner during the feast. Pilate asked, “What shall I do with Jesus?” to which the crowd replied, “Crucify Him.”

How often has getting what you wanted not worked out so well for you? We need to surrender to the will of God rather than push our own agenda forward. God has a far better plan. What you want may look better in the moment, but in the long run it can prove to be far inferior. Jesus surrendered Himself to the will of God even though He knew it would cost Him His life. He knew the Father’s will was best. Stop insisting on your own desires. Delight yourself in the Lord, and as you do, He will shape your desires to align with His (Psalm 37:4).

Father, what You want for me is far better than what I want for myself. I surrender to Your plan. Remind me daily to keep doing so, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.