"BINDING THE HANDS OF JESUS" – Part 1 
 

“And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.” - Mar 15:1 
 

Here in Mk 15:1, we read of how the enemies of Jesus bound Him in   preparation for sending Him to Pilate. As we read this, it is easy for our hearts to be filled with sadness, and even with a touch of "righteous indignation" for that crowd that bound Jesus in such a way. 
 

And yet, there are few today who are not guilty of binding the hands of Jesus in a "figurative" way! 
 

How? By refusing to obey the Gospel! 
 

IN HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US, JESUS STRETCHED OUT HIS HANDS AND DIED FOR OUR SINS...Even today, through His gospel, He pleads with all to take advantage of His vicarious suffering He does not want us to suffer for the guilt of our own sins. In truth, then, His "tender invitation" of Mt 11:28-30 is still being offered today: 
 

Mat 11:28 - 30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls; For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 
 

BUT WHEN ONE REFUSES TO OBEY THE GOSPEL...The hands of Jesus are bound! There is no way such a person can then receive the benefits of Jesus death! For him or her, the death of Jesus was in vain! 
 

IS THIS TRUE OF YOU? – Lord help us to never, through ignorance or disobedience, be guilty of binding the hands of our Lord!