Pilate must have had a sleepless night before the verdict was handed down.  To have something to do with an innocent man about to be condemned to death was not what he hoped would bring his name to fame and immortality.  Instead it brought shame that forever tarnished his reputation in history.

Those who witnessed and shouted for the blood of Jesus, those who falsely accused him, those who blemished his HOLY NAME - they all share Pilate's downfall and shame.  Perhaps we are one with them because every sin we commit is a shout for the blood of Jesus.  Every transgression is a betrayal of his love.

Every sin we commit builds a cross on which someone innocent will hang.  It may be your husband or wife, your children perhaps, or your friends.  But one thing is sure - somebody will hang.

But thank God that is not the full story.  The cross is also the symbol of salvation.  It announces the triumph of hope over despair, of light over darkness, of life over death.  The cross is the sign of God's reign as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.  It proclaims God's eternal commitment to love his people.

As we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus let us be one in singing ALLELUIA,  ALLELUIA,  ALLEUIA !