It is beyond overwhelming to be able to put into words on a page, let alone brief words to describe the magnificent events that are detailed in these two chapters. Let's observe in this passage,
the strange and mingled motives which influence the hearts of unconverted
great men. We are told that when our Lord was sent by Pilate to
Herod, king of Galilee, "Herod was exceeding glad; for he was desirous to
see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he
hoped to see some miracles done by him."
These words are remarkable. Herod was a sensual, worldly
man, the murderer of John the Baptist--a man living in adultery with
his brother's wife. Such a man, we might have supposed, would have had no
desire to see Christ. But Herod had an uneasy conscience. The blood of God's
murdered saints, no doubt, stained his hands and his conscience, destroying his
peace. The fame of Jesus' preaching and miracles had penetrated even
into his court. It was said that another witness against sin had risen up,
who was even more faithful and bold than John the Baptist; and who confirmed
his teaching by works which even the power of kings could not perform. These
rumors made Herod restless and uncomfortable. No wonder that his curiosity
was stirred, and he "desired to see Christ."
In the end, the Jews agreed to make the exchange of Jesus' life for that of Barrabas- a well-known and dangerous criminal. This exchange is such a beautiful picture of the transaction that took place that day on the cross. A vile man was set free, not because of his own merits, but because a fully righteous and sinless man was crucified in his place.
The events of the hill called Calvary, and the days that followed fulfilled every prophecy laid out hundreds of years before by God through men who earnestly were seeking their Savior.
Not one detail was left to chance. Every moment, every word, exactly as God had intended; and it was all for me. It was all for you. Most importantly it was ALL we need.
No comments:
Post a Comment