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This week, and next, we will be focussing our devotions around the Easter theme. We will focus on two chapters only - Luke 23 & 24.
Please read Luke 23:1-25
The trial of Jesus is one of history’s great miscarriages of justice. He is falsely accused and falsely condemned. Pilate and the crowd are manipulated by the religious leaders who want Jesus executed.
However, behind these human forces are dark demonic powers who wanted Jesus dead; when Judas betrayed Jesus in the previous chapter, we read,
‘Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.’ (Luke 22:3-4)
Satan is very clever and cunning. His power is in manipulating people with lies. So effective was he on this occasion, that the crowd ended up shouting,
“Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Luke 23:18)
They want a criminal released over Jesus! Many in the crowd would have been fed or healed by him, or knew someone who had! On the previous Sunday, many of them would have been among those waving palm branches and declaring,
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
Pilate gives way to the condemnation of the crowd, and the king was being handed over to be crucified! We read,
‘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.’ (Luke 23:25)
Pilate ‘surrendered Jesus to their will’ - Satan had a hateful will, human beings willed His death, but make no mistake, Jesus was still the King! He is going to death according to His and the Father’s will - this is Jesus surrendering Himself!
Jesus is our servant King. Their mockery speaks more truth than they realise when,
‘Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.’ (Luke 23:11).
The King was serving this world of sin as He chose the road of the cross for us.
RESPONSE
In response, let's worship using the magnificent hymn 'When I survey'.
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY – COMING SOON