But they all cried out together, “Away with
this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison
for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them
once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify
him!” A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found
in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But
they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And
their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He
released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder,
for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. (Luke 23:18-25 ESV).
It is a very interesting statement to
include in a creed of beliefs. However, this statement points out the
historical fact that Jesus was condemned to suffer and die by the governing
authority of that day. Pilate represented the Roman government, and his
judgment made Jesus’ sentencing and suffering an official event in history, even
though Jesus was totally innocent and without sin.
We all need a Savior because we are
guilty of sin and deserving of punishment. And in his mysterious wisdom, God
used the government of Rome, flawed as it was, in the process of bringing
salvation for our sake. By suffering “under Pontius Pilate,” Jesus took on
himself the condemnation we deserve. And through his suffering Jesus has
extended God’s grace to us, covering us with his own righteousness and granting
us peace and the blessings of fellowship with God forever.
Through his weak and wrongful judgment,
Pilate served Jesus a hideous sentence. But God, through his power and wisdom,
used Jesus’ suffering to redeem us. What amazing grace and love!
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