September 20

Luke 23:13-25 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.
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But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

Observation

Pilate sat as a judge and found that Jesus was not guilty of the charges brought against Him. However, and ultimately, Pilate gives into the demands to execute Jesus. Pilate was faced with much pressure and “delivered Jesus over to their will.” Jesus takes the place of a murderer, Barabbas.

On its face this scene smells of injustice. How can a judge who has found Jesus to be innocent change his mind and sentence him to death following the unending demands of his accusers. It appears that evil has prevailed. Jesus had been delivered “over to their will.” Perhaps even more disappointing is that Jesus takes the place of a known murderer, Barabbas.

Application

Pilate was weak in the sense that he lacked conviction to stand by his own belief. He succumbed to pressure to please people. There are probably political/financial implications for his decision as well. How many times have I betrayed Jesus for the sake of pleasing men, safeguarding my own self-interests, or because it was simply easier to do? But Jesus is the very opposite. Jesus obeyed God’s plan of redemption all the way to the cross. He was not moved to “please people” but LOVED the people. His accusers, Pilate, Barabbas, and even I can claim His promise and be saved. Though injustice and evil seemed to triumph, this was how God’s plan was to unfold. God loves us and He is in control. I am reminded of Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 45:4-5: I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

Prayer

Lord how great You are. What is man that you are mindful of him? Lord how great is the depth of your love which was demonstrated through your only Son and continues to pursue me today. Lord may I be transformed from the inside out because of this truth. Though I see injustice all around me and though I am many times part of the problem and not the solution, I praise You because everything is in your firm grip. Please raise leaders in our midst who can obey you as Jesus did.

--jyim