Confession of the Sin of Blaming Pilate, Temple Leaders, & Everyone Else

*Confession of Sins & Assurance of Grace

We fear new ways.
We fear giving up the status quo.
And Pilate has Jesus whipped. 

Open our eyes, Lord.
Open our eyes, Lord.

We think we know best.
We reinterpret what your clearly teach.
We dress up Jesus in a crown of thorns and mock Christ’s kingship.

Open our eyes, Lord.
Open our eyes, Lord.

We know our earthly ways fail us.
We yearn for ways that restore, heal, & usher in a world of love & justice.
But we get scared and shout “Crucify!”

Open our eyes, Lord.
Open our eyes, Lord.

When we see the mess we’ve made of our world we turn to blame.
We blame Judas. We blame Pilate. We blame the Temple leaders.

We blame one another.
We blame one another.

We confess we have sinned against ourselves, against one another, and against you. Open our eyes, Lord.
Forgive us our sins. 

And still Christ loves and offers grace.
Open our eyes to be loving and grace-filled like you, Lord. Amen.

*Suggested Hymn to Follow Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord (#37 Chalice Praise)

About Tim Graves

Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children and their spouses, and Granddaddy to four perfect children. Retired from early childhood education and ministry, Tim writes from his home in rural northwest Connecticut or wherever life takes him.