Big Idea: The Gospel calls us to a life above labels. Luke 23:8 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. Luke 23:14–15 14 … “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. Jesus is innocent! Luke 23:18–25 18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas” Luke 23:20–22 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.” We are all Barabbas! Luke 23:32–33 32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Luke 23:39–43 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” For Jesus to be a Savior, He had to be a sacrifice. Where men were doing their worst, God was giving His best in Jesus. We either accept Jesus or reject Him. Final Thought The Gospel is not requiring but acquiring… acquiring Jesus.