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Continuing our analysis of the penultimate chapter of Luke’s Gospel, this week, please read verses 3-12. 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 23:24-25 (New American Standard Bible – NASB)
‘And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted. And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.’
As we conclude our studies this week, we also come to the end of the trials of Jesus and we are about to commence looking at the actual crucifixion of Jesus. We have said so much about the injustice of all the proceedings. Every aspect of the trials goes against all forms of justice and Jewish law. It is without a shadow of doubt, the worst travesty of justice this world has ever seen.
Despite Pilate’s conviction of the innocence of Jesus, at this point, his selfish desires came to the fore and as the crowd shouted louder and louder, he had to make a decision. He would either face an insurrection and possibly lose his political position or give the command to kill Jesus. Matthew’s gospel tells us that it is at this moment that Pilate calls for a bowl of water and makes a significant point of washing his hands of all responsibility for the death of Jesus. Many historians believe that in a few short years, Pilate committed suicide, possibly wracked with guilt over the death of Jesus. Other people believe that Pilate became a Christian shortly after the resurrection of Jesus. None of that can be proven, but we know for certain that this cruel and vicious Roman leader was most reticent when issuing the order to crucify Jesus. Perhaps he really did believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Luke doesn’t say too much about this particular timeframe and will not even mention the name Barabbas. The contrast Luke intends to make is stark: the people had to choose to release Jesus, the Son of God or ‘the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder.’ Humanity has an amazing capacity to make bad choices. This choice should have been an easy one. Jesus was an amazing teacher, healer, moral guide and leader. He had never hurt anyone or spoke badly of anyone. His teaching was incredible and the miracles produced had left so many healed and restored. They chose the murderer.
Isaiah 53:6 in the Septuagint says ‘The Lord delivered him upfor our sins’. Romans 8:32 says ‘He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him upfor us all’. Here in Luke we read that Pilate ‘delivered Jesus to their will’. In fact, it is a fulfilment of the prophecy in Isaiah and Paul in Romans emphasises the point. There is no stage where Jesus is a victim of circumstance or is defeated. God is in complete control and Pilate is ‘merely’ doing exactly what God had prophesied would happen. Every detail is in His hands.
Pilate sentenced Jesus to death and set the guilty one free. This is the glorious message of the gospel in a nutshell.
As we approach this weekend, take a few moments to thank God that we the guilty ones can rejoice in the freedom that our innocent Saviour has provided. His blood was shed to purchase our salvation. What love, what grace, what forgiveness.
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