Condemned

Introduction:

The slap heard round the world

LUKE IS POINTING US TO JESUS’ DEMEANOR AMIDST HOSTILITY. LET’S LOOK AT HOW HE RESPONDS TO THOSE WHO ATTACK, AND HOW HE ENABLES US TO DO THE SAME.

I) Jesus’ Response in the Face of Hatred

A. When Haters Hate:

i. Some of us retaliate (and destroy others)

1. When attack/criticized, we get even by trying to destroy them

2. EXAMPLE: From online comments, to arguing w. spouse; we fight back

ii. Some of us internalize (and destroy ourselves) f

1. Some of us, we internalize criticism à it destroys us from within

2. EXAMPLE: Employee evaluation that was unfair (but you internalize)

B. Jesus Models How We Must Endure Haters

i. Jesus is attacked by a bloodthirsty mob (

1. Pilate is playing a delicate political game (vv. 13-17, 24)

2. Luke emphasizes the voices of loud, hostile, crowd (vv. 18, 21, 23)

ii. The non-speaking role of Christ (Is. 53:7)

Isaiah 53:7 ESV

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

1. Notice Jesus doesn’t have a “speaking part”; why?

2. An OT Portrait of God’s servant who would save his people

3. Jesus is the suffering servant who faces hatred with silence

iii. A Christlike response when insulted & attacked

1. Wisdom to know silence vs. speaking up

2. Not doormats: we show strength by not retaliating but with gentleness

3. EXAMPLE: A parent/family member addressing their behavior

THAT BRINGS US TO THE SECOND PART OF THIS STORY: WHAT MAKES THIS POSSLBE?

II) Jesus’ Sacrifice That Sets us Free

A. Who to Release? An Innocent Man, or a Convicted Murderer?

i. Pilate’s character (to this point): Trying to get Jesus released

1. Pilate has already determined Jesus is not guilty(vv. 14-15)

2. Attempt 1: a slap on the wrist, and let him go (vs. 16)

ii. Surely, the crowds won’t want a murderer!

1. Attempt 2: Release an insurrectionist (vv. 18-19, 25)

2. The irony: This was Jesus’ crime: “Which rebel?” (see vs. 2)

B. Jesus stands before the bar of justice so that guilty people can be freed

i. Luke’s Picture of substitutionary atonement (c.f. Isaiah 53:4-5)

Isaiah 53:4–5 ESV

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But 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.

1. In the end: Barabbas is released from his legal penalty (vs. 25a

2. And Jesus is “handed Over” (vs. 25b)

3. Luke’s message: An innocent man was condemned so that a guilty person could be released from judgment

ii. A word on guilt (Because we will all stand before the bar of justice):

1. Guilt = a primitive construct due to gods; “God is dead” = no guilt!

2.

3. Freud: The “strange malaise of guilt àgreat unhappiness in our culture

iii. The Word on gospel:

1. There is a way to be freed from this!

2. Jesus “releases” us from our guilt by being handed over in our place

C. Tying this all together:

i. Because Jesus was numbered among the transgressors, we are exulted

1. Jesus wearing an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs, shackles…

2. So that we can wear the royal robes of God’s family

ii. Because Jesus secured the only verdict that matters, we are freed from revenge

1. THIS is the power for character: You are already loved, you have the verdict

Transition:

Conclusion

Christlike Character in the Face of hatred