May 2, 2021

Jesus is our Substitute

Overview: 1 Kings 12-14, Luke 23:1-25

In 1 Kings, the kingdom of Israel is divided into two distinct kingdoms, Judah and Israel. God took all but the tribe of Judah away following King Solomon’s sin of leading Israel away from the worship of the Lord alone and gave it to Jeroboam.

In Luke, Jesus is brought before Pilate to be judged on whether He deserved to die. Pilate wants to release Him, but the voices of the crowd prevail, and he releases Barabbas instead of Jesus.

Observation and Activation

“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 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.” - Luke 23:24-25

After Solomon turned from the Lord and led Israel to worship other gods, God gave all but the tribe of Judah to Jeroboam. This was a consequence of Solomon’s sin, yet the Lord kept His promise that one of David’s descendants would rule forever. This promise was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who descended from David through the tribe of Judah.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus according to a tradition during the Passover was to release one prisoner chosen by the people. The innocent Jesus took the place of the guilty Barabbas, as Jesus took our punishment and set us free.