John 18:28

New King James Version

Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the ^[a]Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.

For Meditation

That’s interesting!

The Jews wouldn’t enter the courtyard of the Roman Administrator for fear of defiling themselves (Jn. 18:28). Yet, they were committing the highest treason by falsely accusing and condemning the Son of God. What sin is more grievous than that? What kind of corruption is worse? But that is the human mind.

We always focus on the physical more than the spiritual. We will fight to protect institutions and objects of worship rather than the purity of our hearts.

Try opening a bottle of Jack Daniels in the church and see the backlash from devout congregants. The Pastor who does that risks the fury of his deacons. They will carry him on their shoulders and throw him out of the church—never again to set foot there. How many of the same men will go home and take a good portion of the same drink even before taking off their neckties?

The church building and Christ’s body—the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19)—which is holier? Which makes the other holy, your body or the church building?

Something to think about.

Shalom