Luke 23:18-25
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
Reflection
Barabbas was guilty of leading an uprising (Luke 23:19), the very thing Jesus was falsely accused of earlier in the day (vv. 2, 5). Nevertheless, the bloodthirsty crowd eventually prevails against Pilate (vv. 18–24), and in a twist of gospel irony, Jesus will be punished and the rebellious murderer will go free (v. 25).
This is a picture of the great exchange spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: “he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one —to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:5–6).
1 Timothy 5:17-25
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
Reflection
Paul has given lots of attention to the topic of leadership because of its importance for the health of the church and the ministry of the gospel. In this passage Paul addresses the care and maintenance of elders with specific instructions about their compensation (1 Tim. 5:17–18), their discipline (vv. 19–21), and their selection (vv. 22–25). Such counsel, prayerfully applied, helps keep the church centered on Christ and on his mission.
Psalm 89:1
89: I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
Remember that your salvation was a gift that came with a price. Our deliverance was purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus, and like Barabbas we have been set free. Pray that God would help you use your freedom for the sake of proclaiming the greatness of your Deliverer.