Luke Series The Time Is NowShembull

The Voices of the Crowd

Jesus was handed off to Pilate based on false accusations and trumped-up charges. And even though Pilate told the chief priests and the crowd, “I don’t find him guilty of anything” (v. 4), Pilate still lacked the courage to more boldly support an innocent man. Pilate passed the buck and deferred to Herod, even though he had it in his power to advocate for Jesus. Jesus endured the accusations of “the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses” (v. 10) as well as those of Herod and his soldiers, who insulted him (v. 11). Then the whole crowd shouted, “Kill Jesus! Give us Barabbas!” (v. 18). Finally, Pilate gave in to the demands of the crowd. He released a murderer and handed Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus willingly allowed himself to be put to death and responded with grace saying, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they are doing” (vv. 34-35). 

Did you hear the ugly voices throughout the narrative? Accusing, lying, insulting, shouting? Have you ever caved in to peer pressure or the influence of a boss or someone with a strong personality, even though you knew it was contrary to your personal convictions? Have you ever endured being verbally abused because you stood your ground for what was true? 

There will always be voices that try to drown out truth and try to influence our behavior, but God desires that we listen closely for God’s voice so we can make appropriate decisions. 

Reflect

When you look at Jesus’s sacrifice and willingness to forgive the crowd who falsely accused him, how are you challenged to respond to those who falsely accuse you? Which voices are influencing your actions and thoughts? 

Pray

Lord, help me to block out the strident voices of the crowd and listen for your voice only. 

Respond 

If there are people who have wrongly accused you and hurt you in the past, ask God for grace to forgive them. 

Lord, help me to live above the voices of the crowd. Make my character and convictions resilient to negative influences around me and teach me how to forgive.