New Testament: Luke 23.17–19

To read the Bible in a year, read Luke 23.1–26 on May 2, In the year of our Lord Christ 2020

By Don Ruhl

The Jews brought Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, but as he examined Jesus he could not find anything that Jesus had done worthy of death. However, the Romans had made a custom to release a prisoner to the Jews during the Passover. Therefore, Pilate said that he would chastise Jesus and let Him go, hoping that would satisfy their lust for blood. Then Luke explained the custom and revealed whom the Jews wanted released:

…(for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast). And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas”—who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.

– Luke 23.17–19

It was odd that the Romans would make such a custom, yet, they did it to keep peace with peoples they had conquered. However, this meant that sometimes they would be releasing a murderer. I guess that is the game of politics.

Questions:

• Are there other things about the ancient Romans that you find odd?
• What did the Jews mean, “Away with this man”?

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