THE ULTIMATE SUBSTITUTION
Opening Prayer
Use your Word today, Father, to instruct me, to convict me, to change me. I want to be more like Jesus.
Read LUKE 23:13–25
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” [17] [a]
18 But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19 (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
20 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. 21 But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
Footnotes
- Luke 23:17 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Matt. 27:15 and Mark 15:6.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What would you have done in Pilate’s position? Sought a compromise, stood up to the crowd, or succumbed to their wishes?We are all used to the concept of a substitute. Football teams take off an injured player and replace them with a substitute. Schools use substitute teachers to fill staffing needs. When cooking we sometimes substitute certain ingredients for others because of dietary requirements or convenience. One person or object takes the place of another.
In our reading today, we read of a substitution like none other when Barabbas was spared death and Jesus took his place. Luke was at pains to point out the differences between these two men. Pilate said he found no basis for the charges brought against Jesus before stating simply, ‘he has done nothing to deserve death’ (v. 15). This was in stark contrast to Barabbas who had been convicted of insurrection and murder (v. 19). The one who was guilty of taking life would have his life spared while the other—‘the author of life’ (Acts 3:15)—would be killed in his place.
Most of us have not murdered or caused a riot. Most of us may not have a criminal record. And yet, as the apostle Paul wrote, ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). Jesus, the ultimate substitute, chose to die in our place. As Barabbas walked free, so do we.
Apply
Are there substitutions you should be making? Are there time-wasting activities that you should be replaced with God-glorifying things?
Closing prayer
Thank you, Merciful Father, for the great substitution that took place when Jesus died in my place. Help me to use the freedom purchased for me in ways that bring you glory and draw others to you.
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