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Continuing our analysis of the penultimate chapter of Luke’s Gospel, this week, please read verses 13-25. If possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 23:13-16 (New International Version – NIV)
‘Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”’
“That’s not fair!!!”
Raising children can be a very demanding and challenge task. The children can be very, very difficult to deal with and so often bring conflict and pain. It is arguably somewhat easier having just one child because there isn’t the sibling rivalry to contend with.
From experience, having two children, I know that there is always the perception from either of them that the other is being favoured in some way or other. Of course, this is entirely untrue and they are both loved and treasured. However, there have been times when one of them has to be treated equally even though perhaps they don’t need to be or deserve to be. For example, due to the bad behaviour of one, the other has to inadvertently suffer the consequences of any due punishment.
On the odd occasion that this kind of thing happens, it is quite normal to hear the phrase “That’s not fair” as the innocent one has to endure unjust treatment. As parents we are only trying to show no favouritism but this often is perceived as unfairness. I guess that it really is unfair for one to suffer alongside the other. Unfortunately, life isn’t fair and so often we have to tolerate the consequences of the actions of other people. Quite recently, there was a concert to remember the awful circumstances of the bombing in Manchester. So many innocent people lost their lives and many, many more were injured because of the decision of others to use an explosive device in the concert arena. I cannot explain the reasons why people do these kind of things, but the only thing I can say is that life is not fair. We all have a free will to make whatever choices we consider to be right. On times, we make bad choices and have to live with the consequences. Sadly, some of those consequences affect others also and they have every right to say that things are not fair.
Jesus was being held in custody without reason. He was being subjected to awful treatment because of the decisions of others. Ultimately, He would be killed by these same people. He was found innocent and declared to be not guilty on no less than 5 occasions and yet that meant nothing. Pilate said that “he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” Not only had Jesus done nothing to deserve death, but He had done nothing to deserve being punished and yet that was precisely what was about to happen.
At the start of a new week, you may think that you’re in a bad situation and that you don’t deserve to be there. You may have even said “It’s not fair”. Jesus has walked in your shoes and experienced exactly what you’re going through and because of that He can offer you consolation and love. Reach out to Him today, cast your burdens onto Him because He truly cares for you.
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