Re:Verse passage – John 19:5-16 (day tw0) As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.” vs. 12
No one is past redemption. There are times and circumstances, however, where the weight of your sin compounds and leads inexorably to more sin. This is where Pilate found himself, and this is where the mob found themselves as well. No amount of rhetoric, argument, or reason would stop this train…it had already left the station. Jesus was going to die. This was how it was designed. Jesus must endure this so that we might have the hope of salvation. It was the ‘joy set before him’ that kept his focus.
It is because of what Jesus did for us that we can escape the crushing load of sin. You may find yourself in a similar position as Pilate where you are trying to do the right thing, but the world is set against you. It is here that Christ intercedes. Jesus will make a way for you. Look to the cross as a way of hope not as the end. Jesus paid that price of sin so you/we don’t have to.
As you make final preparations for your Christmas celebrations, don’t ever forget as you read Luke 2 that he had John 19 in mind the whole time.
The ‘joy set before him’ is copied from Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
This verse (soteriological and christological) is a great promise for 21st century Christians as they face the challenges of each secular day.