PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 23:13-25
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He has done nothing to deserve death.” (Luke 23:25)
Forget the church, and christians, and religion, and church history for a moment.
Just focus on Jesus and ask yourself, ‘what can we say against him?’
Pilate concluded that Jesus had done nothing to deserve death (v.15).
I would make that even stronger: what he did deserved life!
I feel bad that church and christianity have reflected so poorly on Jesus.
It makes sense to me that many people reject God and Jesus because of our failure.
But this is a poor reflection on human nature, not on Jesus.
Like Barabbas, we are a seriously flawed bunch, even the very best of us.
And yet we are quick to exonerate ourselves, while critiquing Jesus.
Jesus stands in stark contrast to Barabbas, but also to us (including christians).
Our world needs more Jesus, not more church or christianity.
If you are disillusioned by the church, please focus on Jesus!
And if you are a christian, please focus on Jesus.
May we release more Jesus – not Barabbas – into the world!
PRAYER
Lord, we foolishly crucify all that you represent while we unleash our depravity into the world. Help me to put to death the Barabbas life in me, that your life may take over!
Wow! You aren’t pulling any punches here today! We continue to nail Jesus to the cross whenever we don’t exhibit the love of the new commandment He gave us.
Mob rule- how fickle it is – how misguided. How many innocent people have died because of mob justice. I remember being warned of ‘mob’ injustice when travelling in Bangladesh – if someone were to dart in front of you (I had that a few times) and you hit them – be careful – the people may blame be quick to judge that you are in the wrong. Here Pilate tries to do what is right and release Jesus – but to no avail – the mob was incited to ‘crucify’ Jesus. Why? Seeing the big picture – we know it had to be. Jesus death – his blood – is on humankind – his death took the curse set in place by our disobedience. Today, I need to be ready to stand alone – to stand up against the popularity that my be anti-Jesus – not to follow the crowd but to follow Jesus! The crowd may even be among people I know and love. I need to seek Jesus – no matter what.
Pilate handed Jesus over to the religious leaders and the rulers of the people although Jesus had committed no crime. Pilate was thinking of himself, saving face so that no bad report would be going to Rome. He did not do what was right. He did not exercise justice. Justice is more important than saving face or reputation or position. I need to be a person of integrity, standing up for Jesus at all times. Jesus Saviour pilot me also this day.
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.