Read Luke 23:13-25
After trying to palm Jesus off to Herod so he didn’t have to deal with this problem, Pilate finds that Jesus is back with him. He assembles the Jewish leaders and all the people and states clearly to them that the accusations against Jesus have no evidence to them, and that Herod feels the same. Pilate is simply going to whip Jesus and release him.
Suddenly the whole crowd (not just the Jewish leaders) are calling for Jesus to be crucified and Barabbas to be released. Three times Pilate appeals to them that Jesus is innocent and should be released. The crowd keeps calling for Jesus to be crucified. Suddenly the crowd’s demand is met. Pilate weakly (or shrewdly) gives in to them. Barabbas is released, and Jesus is surrendered to their evil will.
By Ian Coutts (Gospel Community Vision Coordinator)
Reflection Questions
- What does Pilate think of the accusations made against Jesus (see also Luke 23:1-2)? What do you think about them?
- Why might Pilate still want to punish (whip) Jesus if he intended to release him?
- The criminal Barabbas is introduced in verse 18 (see Matthew 27:15-18 for some detail). What is he in prison for? Could some of the accusations against Jesus from Luke 23:1-2 actually be levelled at him?
- Verses 23 & 24 show that Pilate is suddenly swayed by the yelling of the people. “Crucify him!” Why do you think he does this?
- Verse 25 reveals great injustice to Jesus. What does this mean for you? What does this convict you of?
Family Around the Table
Read Isaiah 53 together. Discuss when it was written, who it is about and what Isaiah 53 tells us is the purpose of it all. Pray and give thanks to God’s mercy for us revealed in Jesus.
Thanks Ian for preparing this devotion.
I’m wondering how others answered question 4 “Verses 23 & 24 show that Pilate is suddenly swayed by the yelling of the people. “Crucify him!” Why do you think he does this?”
Verse 25 reveals great injustice to Jesus. What does this mean for you? What does this convict you of? where Israel failed in the wilderness Jesus fulfilled in the wilderness. Where sacrifices by priest failed Jesus fullied it in His death and resurrection, so even though it might seem like injustice but it was a fulfilment we could not do ourselves. What does this mean for me? Before I knew Jesus it meant nothing but now it means everything the only God creator of all things would go to such great depths of love to rescue me even death on a cross so that I may be saved. This is a gift that has not just been given but its been lavished upon us Ephesians 1 7-12 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.