Though the Tempests Rage, God Is In Control
Jeremy Bell
Luke 23:1-25
May 23, 2021
Sermon Video/Audio
Luke 23:1–25
[1] Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. [2] And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” [3] And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” [4] Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” [5] But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
[6] When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. [7] And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. [8] When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. [9] So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. [10] The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. [11] And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. [12] And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
[13] Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, [14] and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. [15] Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. [16] I will therefore punish and release him.”
[18] But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—[19] a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. [20] Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, [21] but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” [22] A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” [23] But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. [24] So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. [25] 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. (ESV)
Introduction
- Luke writes and God has preserved this text for us this morning so that we can see that even in the darkest of days, when it seems like evil is prevailing and gaining the upper hand, God is accomplishing His providential purposes!
- Evil will never win out! Despite the raging of man, the purposes of the Lord will stand, and He will accomplish all His good and holy will!
1. Jesus Before Pilate (verses 1-5)
2. Jesus Before Herod (verses 6-12)
“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.” — Isaiah 53:7
3. Jesus Before Pilate and the People (verses 13-25)
“Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of Him today in a dream.” Matt. 27:19
Conclusion/Application:
- Though mocked as king, Jesus really is the King.
- The One who appears powerless is really the One who possesses all power.
- Though the will of evil appears to win the day, the will of God is definitively accomplished.
- Though Jesus appears as the ultimate victim, He in fact is the Ultimate Victor!
Questions For Discussion/Application
- Re-read the text, Luke 23:1-25.
- Acts 2:23 says, “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” What does this verse demonstrate about who ultimately was in charge of what was going on in the events of Luke 23?
- God was sovereign over what was happening when Jesus was crucified. And He is sovereign over all events happening in our world today. What things happening in our world today, tempt you personally to discouragement and perhaps anxiety, and how can reflecting on God’s sovereign control help us?
- What does this text and this narrative reveal about the love of the Lord Jesus? How does it make you feel that he would go through all of this for you?
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us to together trust in the sovereign control of our God over all things.