45. John 18:28-40 Jesus Before Pilate

 

SOAP Day #45
SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 18:28-40
SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:

Vs 36 “Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Vs. 38-40 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)

Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest was appointed by the Roman Governor. Caiaphas and the Jewish high court (Sanhedrin) had no authority to execute capital punishment against an accused person, so they attempted to manipulate Pilate into doing their dirty work for them.  They expected Pilate to just take their word for it that Jesus was guilty of a capital offense, but Pilate was not so easily manipulated.
 
Jesus identified himself as a who ruled over a kingdom, but he emphasized that his kingdom was not an earthly kingdom which relied on military force to exercise its influence.
 
Pilate scoffed at the notion of truth. Pilate thought that the only thing that mattered was power. In his mind, the one in power gets to determine what is true. This demonstrated by his offer to Jesus’ accusers. Even though Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty of capital punishment, he allowed Jesus’ accusers to decide if he should crucify Jesus or Barabbas, a Jewish revolutionary who was awaiting execution.
 
I am reminded of an observation made by D.A. Carson. Three crosses were already prepared indicating that Barabbas was only a couple of hours away from being crucified, but Jesus took his place. Jesus was crucified on the cross meant for Barabbas

What does this passage tell me about Jesus?

Jesus humbly allowed himself to suffer the fate which Barabbas deserved. Pilate’s judgment was correct, Jesus was not guilty of any crime. Jesus the innocent one allowed himself to take the place of Barabbas, the one who was truly guilty. Jesus was willing to die so a man who didn’t receive mercy could receive mercy.
Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that brought us peace and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned everyone to his own way; And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6.)

What does this passage teach me about myself/mankind?

Although Jesus was crucified on a cross originally built for Barabbas, the reality is that Jesus was crucified on a cross that could just as well have my name on it. WE are all guilty. I am Barabbas. You are Barrabas. BUT the good news is...

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the power of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the power of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,    Romans 8:1-3

How does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?

I now choose to devote my life to be lived for your glory because my heart is full of gratitude. As the old hymn says, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

“Dear Jesus, thank you for taking my sins upon yourself. Thank you for giving me mercy which I did not deserve."

In Your name, Amen.