“And they began to accuse Him, saying “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” (Luke 23:2 NIV)
The formal inquisition against Jesus had begun. It’s interesting, if we examine the complex accusation, we find only one true statement mixed among the lies. Jesus was the Messiah King, the rest was malarky. This is exactly what the enemy does; he skillfully incorporates falsity into facts, believing we won’t distinguish the difference. All too often, he’s successful.
I don’t know about you, but ‘subverting’ isn’t a word I employ on a regular basis. Whenever I encounter an unfamiliar word in scripture, I look it up to ensure accurate understanding. ‘Subvert’ does not disappoint. To subvert is to undermine the power or authority of an established system or institution. (New Oxford Dictionary) Additionally, Merriam Webster frames it this way: 1) to overturn or overthrow from the foundation 2) to pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance or faith. Examining our text; all of these definitions apply.
The high priests and pharisees took Jesus to Pilate and accused Him of subversion (and failure to pay taxes, thrown in for good measure). Consider with me the irony of their accusation.
Who made the earth and everything in it? (Genesis 1:1) Who molded man out of mud and breathed life into untried lungs? (Genesis 2:7) In Who’s image was mankind created? (Genesis 1:27) Who established and appointed the times and places people live? (Deuteronomy 32:8) Who established seasons and sent rain and drought and wind and dew? (Leviticus 26:24) Who set kings in their thrones and demoted them at will? (Daniel 2:21) We know the answer to these questions and the Temple leadership would have as well; these are all Old Testament references and texts of great familiarity. God the Father, the Word (Jesus) and the Spirit established and sustain the earth.
Now I asked you, friend, who subverted whom in this scenario? The high priests and pharisees accused Jesus of subverting Rome – which they honestly hoped to subvert themselves – but actually the religious leadership was most threatened by the presence of the living Christ. Jesus had left Rome out of the picture entirely, it feels like He was unconcerned with the occupation of Judah. Rome wasn’t a threat to the Kingdom of God, the corrupt Temple leadership was the continual problem! Jesus’ beef was with His own people; men who claimed to love God most but failed to recognize His Son entirely.
The high priests and pharisees accused Jesus of their exact crime. They had silently, successfully overthrown the Temple of God on earth. And though things would go from bad to worse, God wasn’t done yet. The religious leadership would experience some measure of gruesome success but ultimately God will overturn their ruling and Jesus will be restored to the throne.
If we keep reading through the chapter leading up to the cross, we encounter Barabbas, an actual subverter and murderer.
“Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in in the city and for murder. (Luke 23:19 NIV)
We are likely familiar with the story; Jesus took the place on the cross instead of Barrabbas, a known and convicted felon. Jesus laid down His life for a yet-to-repent subverter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we are Barrabbas. We are the insurrectionist in God’s Kingdom. We are ever-attempting a coup, dethroning God from His rightful leadership of our flesh. And yet, Jesus loved us enough to step in and die for our sins before we even possess the self-awareness to utter “I’m sorry”.
“He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder and surrendered Jesus to their will.” (Luke 23:25 NIV)
When we remember that we are Barrabbas, we recognize the ongoing potential for coup in our own heart and mind. Our mind can become convinced of our motives, just sure that they are pure. But they are not. Our motives are continually tinged by our flesh, which is exactly why we need Jesus to occupy the throne of our heart daily. We routinely unseat ourselves from the leadership of our lives and allow Him to take His rightful place as Lord.
“Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; but as for me, I will meditate on Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:78 ESV)
Just as we are wronged with falsehoods from the enemy and others, (the NASB actually uses the word subvert), we wrong God when we speak or act upon lies about Him. How do we insulate ourselves from such falsities? We practice meditation on His word. Being in scripture and soaking it’s truth into our soul will guard us against half-truths and manipulations taking root in our story.
What is the antonym of subversion? Surrender. Recognition of God’s absolute authority and careful adherence to His legislation: not just the letter of the law but the heart of it, also.
Lord, we see our subversive tendencies in full and unflattering light today. We are Barabbas and we repent of our insurrection. Please forgive us for all the ways we have sought to unseat You from the throne: personally and corporately. You are the rightful King. Have Your way in our hearts and frames and the whole earth, too. We recognize Your authority and acquiesce to Your agenda. Amen.