Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 23:13-25.
TEXT: Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent
Him back to Pilate
(see Luke 23:11).

Pilate has examined Jesus and found no crime based
on the charges made against Him. This was also the
case with Herod, or he would have condemned Him.
Again, Jesus should be set free immediately. Instead,
however, Pilate proposes a solution, "I will therefore
punish and release Him."

Perhaps Pilate thinks he is offering the Jewish leaders
a way to save face before their people. They surely
wouldn't want him to release Jesus and publicly
humiliate them, would they? But seeing Pilate back
down from his verdict, the priests know they need to
stand their ground, and Pilate will eventually surrender
Jesus.

Pilate's punishment was the brutal Roman scourging,
which used whips with pieces of bone or lead fastened
to the tips. After the scourging Pilate honors a custom,
giving the crowds their choice of two criminals. He
offers a violently abused Jesus up against the most
dangerous criminal in prison: Barabbas. Pilate may
not realize it, but he has lowered Jesus to the status
of a criminal, thus making it easier for the Jewish
leaders and the crowds to call for His death. The
Jewish leaders convince the Jews to demand Barabbas'
release and Jesus' crucifixion.

For a third time Pilate asks what terrible thing this
man has done? The judge is now pleading with the
people; he has totally lost control of this trial. The
crowds more loudly demand Jesus' crucifixion. Their
voices prevail over Pilate's sense of justice. He orders
Barabbas released, and Jesus is to be handed over to
their will. Jesus' prophecy about His passion has
completely been accomplished. Judas handed
Jesus over to His Jewish enemies. The Jews handed
Jesus over to Pilate, and now Pilate hands Jesus over
to the crowds that are demanding His crucifixion.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, Pilate watched Your trial spiral out of
control. Help me see that You were in complete control,
winning my salvation by Your innocent suffering and
death. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministrie)