6 JUL 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent! Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder.” Luke 23: 14b, 15b, 24-25
In the court case, Jesus versus humanity was judged and sentenced by Pilate. This short case has an amazing shift in outcome. If we were watching this on television and had no understanding of who Jesus is, we would be shocked by the outcome. We would be very angry that Jesus who was pronounced innocent by two different Judges ended up flogged and crucified.
How can this be that an innocent man dies a criminal’s death? In Pilate’s initial conversation with Jesus, he is bold to tell Jesus that he has the power to pronounce life or death. Jesus tells Pilate that he would have no power if the Father hadn’t given it to him. God’s plan had not failed but was successfully executed. Every piece of this story is important and worth chewing on.
One of the pieces we miss or just let slide by is Barabbas. This is a picture of what Jesus did for the elect. The substitutionary atonement of Jesus for Barabbas, the holy spotless perfect lamb for an evil sinner. This past week a female professional basketball player spoke angrily that a certain segment of our population killed Jesus. But she left out her own name, her own sin, her own guilt and shame. We could do that too if we are not careful.
Barabbas, son of the father, was a sinner and rebel, but so are we! Reread that verse and replace Barabbas’ name with yours. “He released “me/your name” and sentenced Jesus to death.” That is the essence of the gospel. Jesus died for me. Jesus died for you. You can die for your own sins, but that is not just one death, it is two. The payment of your sin is satisfied either on the cross or in hell. God is satisfied and glorified in either!
Will you turn from your sins and trust Jesus or suffer the wrath of God?
Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132, 133; 1 Sam. 13:5-18; Acts 8:26-40; Luke. 23:13-25
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