Luke 23:13-16 – 13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

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What happens next? Based on verses 13-16, if you didn’t know the rest of the story, what do you think would happen next? It appears that Jesus prayer from the garden will be answered. There is a glimmer of hope as Pilate seems set to release Jesus.

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Luke 23:17-25 – 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.

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The story continues to unfold like a bad news story. One cannot help but look away from the trauma that is unfolding. The glimmer of hope now seems to be long gone.

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Imagine yourself in with this crowd. What would you say? How would you act? Would you join in the chanting with the masses? Or would you be a voice advocating for Jesus?

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Station 6