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 ESV)
Here is the most powerful man in Jerusalem giving in to these complaining conspirators. Luke puts it very bluntly - he allowed the people to put a hardened criminal back on the streets, while releasing to them the Innocent Man of all times, to do as they wished. Of course, God was allowing this for the accomplishment of His will, which has infinitely greater authority than Pilate's power. But it also raises another issue - our free will. What would we do with Jesus if we had our own way - if we were given liberty to do whatever we wanted? Maybe we should ask "What do we do with Him?" Ignore Him? Occasionally used His name as a curse? Wish He would just stop convicting us? Before we self-righteously accuse these leaders, what would we do, if we could do anything we wanted?
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