Note for 20241222 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 23 - John 18 - The Tradeoff

 





The Gospel of Jesus Christ

According to John


Read Through The Bible

“As it Happened” Bible Reading Plan


Day 036

Exodus 19 to 21


Part 23 - John 18 - The Tradeoff


The Audio Version of today’s note


John 18:28-40 KJV

[28] Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. [29] Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? [30] They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. [31] Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: [32] that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. [33] Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? [35] Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? [36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. [37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. [38] Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. [39] But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? [40] Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.


https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.18.28-40.KJV


Note for 20241222


I know it seems like a strange title, but hear me. In essence, the Jews traded off Jesus, their Messiah, for Barabbas the robber. There is an element here that points to the scapegoat we read of in the Law, on which they would lay their hands to place their sin on it, and send it to the wilderness for Azazel. 


Here we have a robber, Barabbas, in the stocks, whom they request to be freed instead of Jesus, The Christ. All, while they do not enter into the court, for fear of defilement, that would prevent them from partaking in the current feasts of that time, of passover and unleavened bread. Truly, The Lamb of GOD, was sacrificed at the proper time, that His Blood may stand, eternally, for the passover of all that would believe in Him. Christ literally took the place of Barabbas on this day, for he went free; while Christ went to the cross, where yet another robber was freed. Barabbas was set free, but the robber on the cross was promised to enter into the Paradise of GOD with Christ for his belief in Jesus Christ. This brings in the concept of substitution, Christ Jesus, The Son of GOD, for sinners like us.


When Pilate asks Jesus out, whether He is the King of the Jews, His first response is this... 


John 18:34 KJV

[34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 


https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.18.34.KJV


Pilate interrogates Christ, for the Jews said that their law does not permit them to put a man to death. Instead, they convince another of murder, thinking that this would keep their hands clean of His blood. Maybe, it was by design, for not even in assault could they claim to have the blood of Christ in them. No, instead, just like their father Satan, they convince another to do the crime. Today we know, that even Pilate washed his hands of this act, that the blood of Christ can return on them. If they could repent, then would they be forgiven.


I know, it seems to be a lot to consider; and believe me, there is more. And this, as we are on approach to the day this world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Though I do not personally stand for this date, by it, and by the celebrations of Christmas, none can say they know not of the Name, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. They exchange gifts to commemorate the birth of Christ, the message of it is everywhere to be seen. Even the godless knows of it, who Christ Jesus is. By this feast then, they know.


This brings us back to this verse:


John 18:34 KJV

[34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 


https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.18.34.KJV


It raises a question again, which I have asked before. Who is Christ Jesus to you? Is He someone that you have heard about, by the accounts of others; or, sayest thou this thing of thyself? Do you know? Is it a truth that is confirmed within your soul? Something that is with you each and every day, not just one or two days a year.


Would I prevent Christmas if I could? My answer is from what I personally received by the Spirit. To permit the people a little joy, for they are sore oppressed in this world. If they bring honor to the Most High GOD, and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in it; then let such honor be to GOD. But, if they celebrate for other reasons, or are joyful in gifts alone, the gain (or profit) they make at this time; then, do they themselves make a declaration for their soul.


When Jesus asked His disciples who they say that He is, Peter responded that He is the Son of GOD. Upon this rock, He said, I will build my church and that is The Father that has revealed it to them.


So, we can speak on those things that we have heard others speak of, much as you are hearing or reading my words here. But, the Truth can only be manifested in you by the LORD our GOD, by His Spirit that dwells with us. There is then a difference between, "I have heard" and "I believe."


We cannot say for certain that Pilate believed, but he did wash his hands and put the proclamation in written text on the cross of Christ, "The King of the Jews."


I have heard, and I believe. What's more, it is confirmed in me, that I may know. As we celebrate the birth of Christ then, let us also remember what He was born for. To go to that cross, and give up His life for us. To take our place, by way of substitution, that He, being without blame, died for us, who have blame, so that we may live. Let this Christmas not be about the gifts that you exchange, though you are permitted to give freely; but that the gift we receive is the gift Christ gave upon the cross. Let that be the gift we receive, that we may have Salvation unto eternal life with Him.


Shalom

The House of Bread


Verse of The Day

From the YouVersion Bible App


Luke 2:7 KJV

[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 


https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.2.7.KJV


Note


All the same today, in a world where mankind has no room for Christ in their days. At birth this world had no room for Him either, but the lowest place in a manger. This is my King.

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