Lessons from John 18: The Son Sets You Free

In John 8:32, Jesus tells us, “If you hold to His teachings, you are really his disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.

With what truth is Jesus confronting you with today? And what are you going to do about it? Where are you compromising the truth to impress others and make it easier for yourself—yet instead you are inflicting wounds on an innocent person?

Well, verse 36 tells us that Pilate physically turned his back on Jesus and returned to the crowd of Jews and states that he has found no basis for a charge against Jesus. In other words, Pilate had not found Jesus guilty, but rather innocent of the charges against Him, yet Pilate chose to deny these truths for himself and would suffer for his decision. In fact, Dr. John Hannah points out that Pilate eventually not only lost his job and was transferred to Switzerland, and it was there that he committed suicide.

Have you ever met someone who knew what was the right thing to do, but were willing to sacrifice virtue for a position?

The Principle here is that: Greed does not pay.

In Luke 23, we learn that when Pilate learned that Jesus was a Galilean and under King Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate had Jesus sent to Herod who was in Jerusalem at the time. And though Herod was pleased to see Jesus, because he had heard of Jesus miracles and had wanted to see one for himself, Jesus gave Herod no such satisfaction. So when Jesus wouldn’t give Herod what he wanted, Herod and the Jews ridiculed and mocked Jesus and dressed Jesus in a purple robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

Luke 23:12 tells us that when Herod and Pilate got together, these two fierce enemies became friends. And after telling the Jews that neither he nor Herod could find any charge against Jesus, Pilate decided to have Jesus flogged and suggested that then he would release Jesus as was customary at the time of the Passover.

But, because the Jews were filled with hated and had hardened hearts to Jesus and the things of Jesus, the people refused Pilate’s offer and shouted back, No, not Him! Give us Barabbas!”

Matthew 27:15-16 tells us that Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion against the Roman government. Although the enemy to Rome, he may have been a hero to the Jews. Ironically, Barabbas was guilty of the very crime for which Jesus was being accused. It’s interesting that the name Barabbas means” son of the father,” which was actually Jesus position with God.

Another amazing fact is that this same crowd that shouted, “Hosanna!” Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel” on Palm Sunday, has now turned against Him and was seeking the death penalty, and it was only Friday.

Faced with a clear choice, the people chose Barabbas, a revolutionary and murderer over the Son of God. Faced with the same choice today, people are still choosing “Barabbas.” They would rather have the tangible force of human power than the salvation offered by the Son of God.

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach