Scripture reading – Luke 23
Today’s Bible reading brings us to the third of the Gospel accounts concerning those things Christ suffered for our sins, according to the Scriptures (Isaiah 53).
Christ’s Arraignment Before Pilate (Luke 23:1-5)
Having declared Jesus was innocent of political sedition (Luke 23:4), the charge brought against Christ by the chief priests (John 18:29-30), Pilate sought an escape from the demands of His accusers (Luke 23:1-5).
Declaring, “I find no fault in [Jesus]” (Luke 23:4), the chief priests defied Pilate and said, “He stirreth up the people…beginning from Galilee to this place” (Luke 23:5). When Pilate heard Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him to King Herod, a puppet ruler of Galilee appointed by Caesar, and a man who was the Roman governor’s political nemesis (Luke 23:6-7).
Christ’s Examination Before Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
Though his hands were bloodied from beheading John the Baptist, Herod longed for an opportunity to encounter Jesus and had hoped to witness one of His miracles (Luke 23:8). Herod’s eagerness quickly soured when Jesus refused to answer or acknowledge his authority (Luke 23:9). Incensed by the snub, and having heard the charges brought against Jesus by the chief priests and scribes (Luke 23:10), Herod and his “men of war” began to mock and deride the LORD (Luke 23:11).
An ancient adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” comes to mind when I read Luke 23:12: “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.”
Pilate and Herod became friends because they shared in the greatest travesty of justice in human history. They were guilty of the most egregious act. Their condemnation of the holy, altogether sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ, forged their friendship forever.
Pilate’s Futile Attempt to Free Jesus (Luke 23:13-25)
Pilate declared Christ’s innocence and said, “I find no fault” in Him (Luke 23:4). He made a futile attempt to shirk his responsibility to exercise judicial integrity (Luke 23:13-16). Unfortunately, the Roman governor lacked the moral character and fortitude to do the right thing and release Jesus (Luke 23:17-23). Conforming to the demands of the Jewish leaders, “Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. 25 And he [Pilate]released unto them him [Barabbas] that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will [to be crucified]” (Luke 23:24-25).
Closing thoughts –
As much as we are tempted to look at Pilate with disdain and ponder his sudden friendship with Herod, we should also examine our own souls. The pressure to compromise with evil men and women is never too far from us.
How often have we been tempted to deny Jesus because we lacked the courage and moral fortitude to do right, even while others chose to do wrong? How easy is it to long for popularity and acceptance at the sacrifice of obeying God’s Word and walking in His Truth?
Historical tradition insinuates that Pilate died an insane, broken, miserable soul. Some observe that his conscience could not bear the weight of his guilt, nor could his soul escape God’s judgment.
Note – The Cross will be the focus of our following Bible studies.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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