Tag: Away with this Man
“Away with this Man!”
Scripture reading for April 3: Luke 23
“Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this Man as One Who was misleading the people. And after examining Him before you, behold, I did not find this Man guilty of any of your charges against Him. Neither did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. I will therefore punish and release Him.” But they all cried out together, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”–a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify Him!” Luke 23:13-21
Pilate, the Roman governor, and Herod the Tetrarch had found common ground in examining Jesus. They looked at the charges but found nothing deserving death. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and made that decision. But he was also a politician who feared the people and had no moral character of his own. As he announced his verdict, the people, spurred on by their religious leaders, demanded Jesus be crucified in spite of the facts. “Away with Him!” they cried! Pilate pleaded with them three times before he caved to crowd pressure. He released to them an insurrectionist and murderer instead of the innocent Jesus, King of the Jews. It appeared that justice was not done and Satan won.
But it was God’s plan and will that came together that day. The final Passover Lamb was examined and found to be spotless, ready for sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, Jew and Gentile. Both parties had a part as all have sinned. Jesus willingly laid down His life for the sins of His accusers and betrayers and those unable to see God’s plan. Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, spit on, whipped, and finally nailed to a cross. He prayed for those who did this to Him as He bore their sins, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 He pardoned the repentant thief who hung there with Him. He committed His Spirit to His Father and breathed His last. (Luke 23:43-46) The guards declared: “This man was innocent!”
As you listen to this story of Jesus’ trial and death, what part is most meaningful to you personally? What judgment have you made about Jesus and how does your life reflect that choice? If you haven’t asked Jesus for mercy, can you follow the thief’s example of asking for mercy now?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the greatest story of redemption ever told! I am so thankful for Your mercy and plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile. Use me to share this amazing and powerful message of Your great love with this lost world. Amen.