The Irony of Religion

I was struck by John 18:28 as I read it this morning:

“Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.”

This journey marked part of Christ’s walk to Calvary. The Jews would do anything to find fault against Him in order to put Him to death and while on their way to Pilate, they paused and remembered to observe the religious rites of the Passover. They would not enter Pilate’s house because he was a gentile so that they won’t be defiled. Yet in their hands for condemnation was the King of kings. What irony!!!

Lesson?
1. Beware of false religion and practices. 2. Take heed to thyself lest you fall into the sin of presumption.
3. Guard your heart against unbelief.
4. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in all your dealings
5. Don’t live a pretentious life; you will be exposed for what you really are.
6. Everything about the Passover they were to observe was pointing to the very one they were holding.
7. Religion CANNOT save you; only Jesus saves.