City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh.

The Word

¹⁸ But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— ¹⁹ a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. ²⁰ Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, ²¹ but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” ²² 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.” ²³ But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. ²⁵ 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

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

–Romans 12:1 NKJV

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses depict the exchange between Pilate and the chief priests, scribes, and company of people who turned Jesus over to him. While Pilate found no fault with Jesus, the people insistently demanded that Jesus be crucified instead of Barabbas, a convicted criminal. And Pilate caved in to their demands. 

At first glance one might be led to believe that Jesus was at the mercy of Pilate and the people, but upon closer examination, it is evident that Jesus willingly laid down His life to obey His Father and save humanity. 

Let’s take a closer look. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus went to Herod–who actually desired to see Jesus as he had heard the buzz of Jesus’ miracles throughout the region. But Jesus did not perform any miracles or reveal His identity to Herod. And likewise with Pilate. Herod and Pilate were two people in a position of power who actually wanted to believe Jesus is the Son of God, yet Jesus remained silent. 

Why did Jesus accept the brutal treatment, mocking, and let Himself be turned over for crucifixion, while Barabbas, a convicted murderer, walked off scot-free? This was not merely a failure of the justice system of that time; it was a divine exchange. Jesus, the blameless, spotless Lamb of God, came to receive the wrath of God, as atonement for all the sin of humanity. Jesus absorbed the punishment we deserved. 

Jesus did not deserve to die. He chose to. This gives a deep, rich meaning to the life of Jesus and His devotion to God the Father and all humanity. He is truly worthy of it all. 

Application

The purpose of today’s reflection is to honor Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and exalt Him as someone we can trust with everything. It’s not hard to worship and obey a God who sacrificed everything for us. In fact, it is perfectly reasonable. 

In light of everything Jesus has done for us, how can we be a “living sacrifice” to God? Is there any area of your life in which He is calling you to lay down your preferences for His purposes? 

Doing what is right in your own eyes is a fool’s errand that comes up empty. Living in surrender to God with an obedience that is based on your right relationship with Him through Jesus makes life meaningful and eternally fruitful. And only you have the power to make that choice. What will it be?

Prayer

Father God, I thank You for sending Your Son to make the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity. How grateful I am to be Your child–a recipient of Your endless grace. May I always remember the obedience of Jesus especially in the times when I’m tempted to do what I prefer over what You are calling me to do. I want to live my life in grateful surrender to Your most excellent ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.