Bargain Gone Bad: Luke 23:17-25
“17) [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.] 18) But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19) (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21) but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22) And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23) But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24) And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25) And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Luke 23:17-25
Pilate recognized that Jesus was innocent. Rather than standing on truth, he attempted a bargain. He offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas. The other would be condemned to death.
Though not specifically mentioned, because of his guilt as both a violent robber and an insurrectionist, Barabbas may have been slated for execution with the other two criminals. It was absolutely irrational to think the Jewish leaders would opt to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus.
This is where Pilates bargain went bad. The religious leaders swamped the worse of criminals for the most innocent man.
The very deal is a picture of the depth of the atonement. Jesus died to pay the penalty for the most guilty among men. He died so we could live and become free.
The deal itself exposes the depth of hatred and jealousy the religious leaders had for Jesus. They were evil and vile men. No wonder Judas felt at home among them.
This story amplifies why I do not trust man made religion. It is often a cloak for human depravity and a ploy of the devil. Anything short of the true gospel is deception, blindness and Satans strategy to steal, kill and destroy. Much evil hides in the shadows of man made religion.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“17) [Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.] 18) But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19) (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21) but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22) And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23) But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24) And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25) And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.” Luke 23:17-25
Pilate recognized that Jesus was innocent. Rather than standing on truth, he attempted a bargain. He offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas. The other would be condemned to death.
Though not specifically mentioned, because of his guilt as both a violent robber and an insurrectionist, Barabbas may have been slated for execution with the other two criminals. It was absolutely irrational to think the Jewish leaders would opt to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus.
This is where Pilates bargain went bad. The religious leaders swamped the worse of criminals for the most innocent man.
The very deal is a picture of the depth of the atonement. Jesus died to pay the penalty for the most guilty among men. He died so we could live and become free.
The deal itself exposes the depth of hatred and jealousy the religious leaders had for Jesus. They were evil and vile men. No wonder Judas felt at home among them.
This story amplifies why I do not trust man made religion. It is often a cloak for human depravity and a ploy of the devil. Anything short of the true gospel is deception, blindness and Satans strategy to steal, kill and destroy. Much evil hides in the shadows of man made religion.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
