An Insurrectionist Set Free

Luke 23 & 24

“Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about Him and had been hoping for a long time to see Him perform a miracle.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This writer’s account gives us a different perspective on how Herod viewed Jesus; and what seems like a hopeful set up actually turns into Herod being a disgraceful antagonist. “Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on Him and sent him back to Pilate.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The story goes on to show Pilate caving to peer pressure, KNOWING Jesus had done nothing wrong. A real coward. I find it interesting how much Jesus’ story here mirrors our current events—guilty set free, innocent imprisoned. “As they had requested, [Pilate] released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This has always been my favorite part of the story because of the hope we have been given by the tearing of the veil: “When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed [Jesus] to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.” Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭33‬, ‭44‬-‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Thank you, Jesus!