Easter ReflectionsSample

It was Pilate's custom to release a prisoner during the Passover feast, so he hoped to free Jesus using this as an excuse. Pilate knew the Jewish council had delivered Jesus over to him to be crucified, not because he was guilty, but because they were envious. They were jealous of Jesus' miraculous power and following. They were also probably envious that he was more intelligent and articulate in debates over the law than they were.

Pilate did his best to sway the crowds against the Jewish council and set Jesus free by having the crowds choose either Jesus or Barabbas, the "notorious" criminal. He probably thought the decision would favour Jesus because just a few days earlier, masses had sung for him saying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel" (John 12:12-13)! But unfortunately, the Jewish Council was smart enough to understand what Pilate was doing and persuaded the angry crowd to choose Barabbas, who was a murderer (Mark 15:7). "Crucify him!" they chanted when asked what could be done to Jesus (Matthew 27:20-23).

Pilate's wife had a terrible dream about Jesus and warned Pilate against having a hand in the death of a "righteous man" (Matthew 27:19). But because he valued his security over justice, Pilate granted the people their wish. So instead of a "righteous man" being set free, a "notorious prisoner" walked free. This is such an incredible picture of the gospel.

We are much like Barabbas, notorious sinners who do not deserve to be set free from the penalty of our sins. However, we are set free through Christ, who takes our place and suffers the punishment our sins deserve. This was once ugly and unjust, but now the beautiful exchange is the good news we celebrate on Good Friday. Once we were prisoners of sin and its bitter consequences, but now we are free in Christ.

As countless Easters before this one have, this Easter fails not to whisper the sweetest news of all to our ears: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). If it weren't for Jesus, what hope would we have?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being willing to trade places with me. You took the wrath of God on my behalf, a notorious sinner. I praise you for the sacrificial love that you've shown me. Amen.