The Sentence

Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, "You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people. But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I find no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of, neither does Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will have him whipped and then release Him. They all cried out together, "Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us!" Pilate wanting to release Jesus addressed them again, but they kept shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
A third time he said to them, "Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found no grounds in Him for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him."
But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out. So Pilate decided to grant their demand and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will. Luke 23:12-25

Did Pilate feel set up? He should have. These men did not represent all of Israel. The people who Jesus had taught and healed would never had allowed this, but they were not aware, until it was all done.

To Pilate's credit he did try to set Jesus free, however, a strong governor would have not been persuaded. When you do not feel secure in a situation you are intimidated by evil. The enemy of our souls endeavours to hide truth from us and bombard us with lies. The is is exactly what was happening here. Pilate feared the people.

Having Jesus whipped was an effort to stop crucifixion, yet it enhanced it. 'He was bruised for our iniquities.' Isaiah 53:5

Evils was driving this, but the Father was using this to set us free from our sin. The perfect lamb was to be slain to set us free from what we could not set ourselves free from.

Often in difficulty the Lord whispers to me, "Look at Me!" As I do I find His purpose and plan and life to carry on. He is good! I can trust Him!


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