MAKING THE PASSION PERSONAL
A Journey with Jesus to the Cross and Beyond

by Tricia McCary Rhodes

DAY FOURTEEN -- Absolved

The very existence of the cross, and of the crucified Christ, forces us to make a crucial decision: Will we look for God somewhere else, or will we make the cross, and the crucified Christ, the basis of our thought about God?

Alistair E. McGrath

But they cried out all together, saying,
"Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!"
Luke 23:18

Back at the Praetorium they push Jesus up some steps to a platform where the growing crowd can see easily see him. The strange scene of this commoner with battered face now decked in a royal robe sets tongues wagging. Summoning the high priests and other leaders to the front, Pilate holds up his right hand to silence the crowd.

"You brought this man to me at dawn, accusing him of inciting people against the government. I have listened to all you say, I have questioned the prisoner myself, and I find him innocent of these charges. Herod agrees and has sent him back to me. Therefore, I will have him scourged and released."

Confident that this compromise will appease the priests, Pilate turns to leave. Near the front of the crowd a group of well-known freedom fighters are calling his name. One of his attendants leans over to explain that the men showed up a while ago, requesting he release their leader, Barabbas, following the custom of the Roman government to release a Jewish prisoner every Passover as a sign of peace.

To Pilate, it seems the gods have smiled upon him. Of course -- this is what he can do with the innocent Galilean -- let him go and be done with it. Surely given the choice, any God-fearing Jew would prefer Jesus' release to that of the murderer, Barabbas.

Ignoring the defiant revolutionaries, Pilate calls out to the high priests: "What if I give you the king of the Jews? Would you like me to release him?"

Any answer they might give is drowned out by the cries of Barabbas' friends for his emancipation. Tempers flare as the morning sun beats down its relentless heat. As Pilate observes the growing unease, a breathless messenger runs up the steps, handing him a sealed envelope.

Inside is a hastily scribbled note from his wife. Have nothing to do with the carpenter from Nazareth. Last night I had a terrible dream about him and I have already suffered much today because of it.

Pilate glances up to see the crowd scrutinizing his every move. The priests and other religious leaders have dispersed among them, championing their cause, stirring up the people.

Wanting to be done with it all, Pilate thunders, "Tell me now -- which of the two men shall I release to you?"

A thunderous roar rises up in response. Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!

Pilate stares at Jesus, who is silently watching it all. Sadness has settled on his bruised face, his weary body slightly bent, a pitiful sight.

What does Jesus see in the agitated mob? What must he feel as he watches the freedom fighters demand their leader's release? Their loyalty is fierce and fearless. Where are the men who promised they'd never leave him, never deny him, follow him to death if need be? These renegades battle brazenly for political liberation -- who will carry on his revolution to liberate the souls of men?

Pilate ponders how to handle this one who has created such a furor among the Jews. The crowd is getting out of hand -- how easily this mess could ruin his reputation in Rome as a powerful leader. What in the world should he do?

"Take him and scourge him." He barks at the soldiers, while the crowd looks on.

They drag Jesus away, every eye watching, wondering if the weakened prisoner can possibly survive the horrific flogging to come. Pilate follows along, weary with the whole thing.

Can it still be morning? The day seems unbearably long to priests and procurators, but for the Man of Sorrows, it has only begun.