Definition: And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 23:22. It's a really important part of the story of Jesus after his trial and crucifixion. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus was accused of serious crimes – he was nailed to a cross for three days. The crowd was angry, and they were demanding a punishment. What Jesus Says: Jesus is telling the people who are watching him that again – he’s saying it clearly and firmly – “Why, what evil has he done?” This means he's asking: "Is this man truly guilty of terrible crimes? Are there any reasons for his suffering?" Then He Says: “I have found no cause of death in him.” This is the key part. He’s saying that despite the fact that Jesus was crucified, he isn't dead. There’s absolutely no evidence to suggest he’s truly dying. Finally, He Says: “Therefore, I will chastise him, and let [him] go.” This means Jesus is going to give him a harsh punishment – likely to be a painful death – but he will let him go . What it Means (Simplified): Jesus is essentially saying: “You’re accusing me of something terrible, but I don’t see any evidence that I’m truly dead. I’ll give you a harsh punishment, but I'm letting you go.” It highlights Jesus’s divine power and the idea that even in death, he’s not completely powerless. Important Context: This is a complex passage filled with symbolism. The phrase “let [him] go” isn't necessarily about forgiveness or mercy. It’s a powerful statement of control by Jesus – He's using his authority to inflict a punishment without any justification. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (like the idea of judgment and divine power). Compare it to other passages in the Bible where Jesus demonstrates his authority.