March 25
“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy . . . But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’ Pilate said to them, ‘What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?’ They all said to him, ‘Let Him be crucified!’” Matthew 27:15-18, 20-22.
The Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, was a weak, vacillating ruler. He knew that Jesus was innocent of all of the accusations that were brought against Him. He knew that Jesus did not deserve to die. However, instead of making a decision on the basis of what he knew to be the facts, he vacillated and determined to strike up a deal.
At the Passover, there was a long-standing custom for the Roman ruler to set a prisoner free, whomever the people desired. At that particular time, they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate arranged to have Barabbas and Jesus stand side by side. There stood an innocent Man and a criminal! In Pilate’s mind, it was so obvious what the choice would have to be. But his plan did not work. The religious leaders persuaded the people to call for Barabbas to be set free and for Jesus to be crucified for crimes He did not commit!
The Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, saw that he could not prevail, and he yielded to the cries of the loud-mouthed rabble-rousers! The criminal went free, and Jesus was sentenced to die!
Justice, or injustice – which prevails also in our day? Indeed, justice often prevails, as it should. However, often criminals are given more consideration than law-abiding citizens, and often criminals go free on the basis of some legal technicality dreamed up by politicians and so-called legal authorities! Just as Pilate gave consideration to retaining his position of power, so also today decisions are often made with an eye toward reelection or reappointment to a position of power!
After all is said and done, why did Jesus have to die? It was for sins and crimes committed by you and me and all others who ever lived, who are living now, and who ever will live. Yes, the Son of God and Son of Man had taken upon Himself the sins of all people. He was paying the price for our redemption. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” Isaiah 53:6.
“My burden in Thy Passion,
Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression
Which bro’t this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee;
Wrath were my rightful lot.
Have mercy, I implore Thee;
Redeemer, spurn me not!” Amen.