Luke 23, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 23:1-5

Observation: The religious leaders have accused Jesus, issued a guilty verdict, but can do nothing more because they are under Roman rule. So they take Jesus to see Pilate, the governor. Charges must be brought that will lead Pilate to issue a death penalty. The religious leaders raise 3: perverting the nation (or their customs, a threat to their nation's traditions), opposing payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be the Messiah, a king. While the first accusation is partially true, the second is a blatant lie. The third is also true but used to make Pilate see Jesus as a dangerous revolutionary, which He is not. The charges are serious and not only against the Jews but also against the Roman government. Pilate proceeds to examine Jesus. Yet upon questioning, Pilate finds "no basis for an accusation" against Jesus (v.4). To release Him now would have served justice; but Jesus is not treated justly. Sinful humanity rejects Him. The leadership insist that Jesus incites the people. The pressure is on Pilate.

Application: If Jesus had been treated correctly, He would have been set free at this point. It would have been the right thing to do. But then the Lamb of God would not have fulfilled that which He came to do: given His life for humanity. Sometimes we look at the injustices in life and ask, "Why God?" This shows that even injustice serves a purpose in God's perfect plan. Never doubt it: God is in control.

Prayer: How many times don't I complain to You Lord! About my life, my circumstances, the unfairness of it all. Yet what was more unfair than innocent death for ungrateful humanity? You sacrificed Yourself for those who would love You and follow You. My life is made richer thanks to Your suffering and the injustice done to You. Remind me of that when I start to complain. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.