GOD'S LOVE PREVAILS IN THE MIDST OF INJUSTICE

October 12, 2016

GOD'S LOVE PREVAILS IN THE MIDST OF INJUSTICE

Luke 23:13–25

Cristyn Smith

Central Truth

The examination of Jesus before the people led to what appeared to be a supreme injustice, but even still God’s love prevails.

But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. (Luke 23:23)

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 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. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”^{1

23:16
Here, or after verse 19, some manuscripts add verse 17: Now he was obliged to release one man to them at the festival}

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

Footnotes

[1] 23:16 Here, or after verse 19, some manuscripts add verse 17: Now he was obliged to release one man to them at the festival

At the beginning of this entry, I told you my name is Cristyn Smith. But if I am completely honest with myself and with you, I am actually Barabbas. I am that sinner deserving of death. And, quite frankly, so are you. That reality is harsh when digested, isn’t it?

God reminds us that we each have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). And the wages of that sin is death (Romans 6:23a). My stir crazy, perfectionistic brain reads this and wants to know what I can do to fix it. When my flesh gets the best of me, and I get anxiously tangled up in the mistakes I have made, I quickly become what I would call a “frantic fixer.”

Praise God that the first part of Romans 6:23 is not where the story ends. The part I left out is the truth that comes in the second part of that verse—the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23b). Not only did Jesus take the physical place of Barabbas, but He also took our place spiritually. The trial of Jesus presents us with a visual reminder of the sacrifice God was willing to make for those He loves.

Barabbas had done nothing to warrant his pardon. There was no indication of any repentance from this man. Luke 23:19 informs us that Barabbas was guilty of attempting to overthrow the government through violent acts and murder. According to his rap sheet, this man does not sound like a good man, and certainly not one to be allowed freedom.

But what would our rap sheet say? We may not be devising the same plans that Barabbas did, but Jesus clearly explains that His law governs not just outward behavior, but inward thoughts as well (Matthew 5:21-48). For we all have violated God’s holy standards, but the gospel clearly states that Christ fully paid the penalty we all deserve, and all we can do is receive His salvation by faith.

1. Do you become a “frantic fixer” when faced with mistakes you've made? Why or why not?

2. Do you accept God’s loving sacrifice for you in the midst of mistakes you've made?

3. Who is one person you can share your story of grace with this week?

4. Don’t forget to share with that same person how he or she, too, can have a story of grace.