Reflections with Andy – Luke 23: 13-25 – Hills to Die On

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In examining the exchange between Pilate, Jesus, and the crowd in Luke 23, we see the dangerous consequence of choosing political convenience over moral truth. We recognize that by demanding the release of Barabbas—a violent Zealot—and the crucifixion of Jesus, the crowd chose the way of earthly power and insurrection over the way of the Kingdom of God. We understand that Pilate’s failure to stand on his convictions, despite knowing Jesus was innocent, serves as a warning that “peace at any price” often leads to greater destruction in the long run. Ultimately, we are challenged to have the courage to stand for what is right and holy, trusting that even when the path is difficult, our true allegiance belongs to the King of Kings rather than the demands of the crowd.

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Good morning! It is good to be with you on this Friday. No worries about the computer camera—we’ll take a “tighter shot” over no shot at all any day! I hope you’re hanging in there with this cold. As someone who is also ready for summer, I am right there with you; let’s keep those “snow snacks” handy and stay safe.

Today we are looking at Luke 23:13–25. We are reaching the point of no return in the trial of Jesus, where political convenience officially overrules justice.

The Choice: Barabbas vs. Jesus

Pilate tries one last time to release Jesus. He states clearly that neither he nor Herod found Jesus guilty of a capital crime. He offers a “compromise”—he will have Jesus flogged (a brutal punishment in itself) and then let Him go. But the crowd has shifted. They don’t want the innocent teacher; they want Barabbas.

Who was Barabbas?

As you mentioned, most scholars identify Barabbas as a Zealot—specifically, a member of the Sicarii (the “dagger-men”).

  • The Zealots were violent revolutionaries. Their goal was the total expulsion of Rome by any means necessary.
  • They didn’t just target Roman soldiers; they often assassinated Jewish “collaborators,” like tax collectors.

The irony here is deep. The crowd is accusing Jesus of being a revolutionary and an insurrectionist—charges that were false—yet they demand the release of a man who was actually an insurrectionist and a murderer. They chose the way of the dagger over the way of the Cross.

Suffering Under Pontius Pilate

It’s fascinating that in the Apostles’ Creed, only two people (besides Jesus) are mentioned by name: Mary and Pontius Pilate. One represents the door through which Jesus entered the world; the other represents the door through which He left it.

The Failure of Pragmatism

Pilate’s story is a tragedy of “peace at any price.”

  • He didn’t want to kill Jesus.
  • He just wanted to get to his retirement villa without a riot on his record.
  • He tried to be “moderate” in a situation that demanded courage.

But as you pointed out, Pilate’s attempt to appease the crowd didn’t even work in the long run. He sent an innocent man to the cross to keep the peace, yet less than 40 years later in 70 A.D., the very insurrectionist spirit he tried to manage led to the total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Legions. When we trade our principles for a temporary, false peace, we usually end up losing both.

Standing on Kingdom Issues

There’s a powerful lesson in Pilate’s cowardice for us today. Most things in life aren’t “Kingdom issues”—they aren’t hills worth dying on. We should be kind, loving, and merciful even with those we disagree with. But there are moments where we are called to stand for what is right, regardless of the consequences.

Thomas Jefferson said, “One man with courage is a majority.” Pilate had the authority, the soldiers, and the truth on his side, but he lacked the courage. He was more afraid of the crowd’s noise than he was of God’s justice.

As you head into this weekend, remember that God is with you in the quiet moments and the “crowded” moments alike. Don’t be afraid to stand for the truth, even if it feels like the world is shouting for something else.

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