Today’s passage: Luke 23:13-25
Helpful thoughts:
- Pilate declared Jesus not guilty and attempted to use the tradition of releasing a prisoner to free Jesus. The crowd called for Barabbas.
- The innocent man went to the cross and the sinner was set free.
- The people chose a sinner and rejected the Savior.
- Pilate knew the Jews hated Jesus and was willing to have him scourged in order to appease them. He was trying to find a middle ground. The crowd would not accept anything but crucifixion. Pilate had already encountered “difficulties” with the Jewish people, he probably didn’t think he could risk any further trouble.
- Luke repeats the idea: Verse 24 – Their demand was granted. Verse 25 – He delivered Jesus over to their will.
- Yet, this was ultimately God’s will. (Isaiah 53:10)
Questions to consider:
- What is pictured for us in the death of Jesus and the release of Barabbas? What if the two on either side of Jesus had been Barabbas’ partners in crime? Whose place did Jesus take on the cross?
- What was Pilate’s motivation to give Jesus over to be crucified? What was the Jews’ motivation to call for His crucifixion? How were they different and how were they the same?
- How does this passage serve as an example of the sinful will of man being followed all while the righteous will of God is coming to fruition? How does this climax of history point to the sovereign power, amazing grace and goodness of God?