The Unjust Verdict

As Jesus steadily moves toward the cross, we do well to remember that this is all part of the Covenant of Redemption, God's plan from the foundation of the world to provide redemption for the elect via the perfect life and death of Christ. Dr. Luke highlights the fact that Jesus is innocent. King Herod will find no fault in Jesus, Pilate's wife testifies due to a dream that Jesus is righteous, and three times Pilate himself will declare Jesus' innocence. The religious leaders are so envious of Jesus that they will not rest until he is dead and gone. Because a riot is about to break out Pilate reluctantly sentences Jesus to be crucified. It's an unjust verdict, but there are actually two unjust verdicts. The guilty murderer and insurrectionist Barabbas is released. A wonderful picture of our redemption. We guilty sinners are set free because innocent Jesus took out place.