This week’s reading: Matthew 27:11-31
Hi Friends,
As we continue with the remarkable narrative of the Passion of Christ, we move forward to His trial before the Gentiles. Jesus is paraded around, as the religious try to get someone to condemn Him to death. First, they bring Jesus to Pilate. Then in the Gospel of Luke we read how Jesus is sent to the Roman puppet King Herod. But then Jesus is brought back to Pilate who cannot shirk the conflict by passing it off to someone else to resolve anymore. He must choose to either save Jesus or to give in to the forceful influence of the people. We are in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 27, verses 11 through 31. Listen to the final verdict Pilate is pressured to proclaim:
“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ? ‘ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children!’ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” Mt 27:22-26 NIV
Jesus before Pilate, then Herod. (Mt 27:11-26; Mk 15:1-15; Lk 22:66- 23:25 Pilate and Herod; Jn 18:28-19:16) The chief priests and elders hold a council meeting and confirm their decision to put Jesus to death. (Mt 27:1) You see, they had been plotting His destruction for years. It was even Caiaphas, the high priest, who said, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish,” unwittingly professing that Jesus would die for the sin of the whole world. (see Jn 1:29; Jn 11:50-53) But since it was unlawful for the Jews to carry out capital punishment, (see Jn 18:31) they tie Jesus up and lead Him to the Roman governor. (Mt 27:2) There is an excellent article about this topic of the death penalty not being allowed in the website “Got Questions” which you can check out in this link. This whole thing reminds me of the sad event in the life of King David where he, not only killed an innocent man, but had the enemies of Israel do his dirty work. (see 2Sa 11) Here too, these religious wanted to be rid of Jesus, thinking that His death would solve their problems, and they go to their Roman adversary to carry it out. What an insult! And what cowardice! Since it was day break on the day of Preparation for the Passover, ironically these religious did not want to enter the palace where Pilate was, because they wanted to “avoid ceremonial uncleanness.” (Jn 18:28) What can make a human more “unclean” than to try to get an innocent man executed! Oh Lord help us! And so now Pilate comes into the picture. Rebellion was always a potential dilemma, of course, within a country that was being barbarously controlled by their enemies. Pilate cared nothing about the religious squabbles these Pharisees might be focused on, so these religious falsely point to the “threat” Jesus might pose to the Roman King. (see Lk 23:2) This is Pilate’s major concern though, and so he asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (Mt 27:11) Jesus, of course, answered Pilate truthfully, but He was not talking about an earthly kinghood. (see Jn 18:36) Jesus is the King of kings. This fading world is not the focus of the work of Jesus. His vision, and thus His mission, is much, much further out than just this life. Throughout his inquisition, Pilate has no idea what Jesus is talking about. Sadly, there are still way too many people who religiously attend church service every week who have no clue either. It is one of the maturing Christian’s privileges to be sensitive to those around them and be available to lead the lost and confused to the Truth. But if we are more concerned with this earthly kingdom, as Pilate obviously was, then can we help others understand the spiritual significance of what Jesus is going through here? When the religious start throwing untrue accusations, Jesus again keeps silent, not defending Himself and not dignifying their lies with any response. Pilate is amazed at this composure. (Mt 27:14) As I said a couple of weeks ago, to keep silent is a sign of immense restraint and power! It is the fallen nature’s impulse to try to justify ourselves, but Jesus remains in total self-control. (see Pr 29:20 NLT) I so admire this trait of God’s character, don’t you? I continue to work on this struggle, to not have to vindicate myself, because this is the Father’s job, not ours, and Jesus knows this full well. So not a word comes from Him, unless He hears the truth. Pilate proclaims, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” (Lk 23:4) He will do this a total of three times, keep that in mind. The religious keep arguing their false case, while Pilate hears something about Galilee. Here he thinks he can pass the buck. Since Galilee is under the jurisdiction of King Herod, Pilate sends Jesus over to him. Herod is excited to accept Jesus, and a bit flattered that Pilate would recognize his own authority over the region. This is probably why these two tyrants become friends through this whole event. (Lk 23:12) Herod was also hoping Jesus would perform for him some kind of big miracle production for his entertainment. Jesus once again, remains silent. He is certainly no carnival sideshow and will not play into Herod’s foolishness. Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus and send Him back to Pilate, refusing to deal with the issue. (Lk 23:11) It is a big part of a leader’s responsibility to take care of important issues like this, but Pilate tries to dodge the bullet, and now, Herod just cannot be bothered to do his duty either.
Back at Pilate. For the second time, Pilate proclaims, “You brought me this man as one who is inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death.” This just makes the religious lose, their, minds! Pilate tries to calm things down and appease the growing mob by fulfilling a custom during Passover to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. (Mt 27:15; Jn 18:39) He offers them a choice between the faultless Jesus or a rebellious murderer, Barabbas. Pilate “knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.” (Mt 27:18) But fear was starting to dictate the decisions Pilate was making. Not only was he afraid of a riot, but “while Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message, ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’” We are not told what kind of suffering she endured. Was she aware that Jesus was the Messiah and wanted to avoid her husband’s role in killing the Christ? Did she have visions of the impending judgment Jesus would announce over the world, and wanted to be on the side of Salvation? Is she trying to save the Savior from sure death, without realizing this is the only way anyone would be saved? Again, we do not know, but Pilate heeded her voice and tried all he could to free Jesus. (Lk 23:20; Jn 19:12) Ahhh but the fear of man. When we try to be people-pleasers, too often it leads us to go against God and make some really bad decisions. Here Pilate is feeling the pressure from the people. He literally washes his hands of the whole ordeal and tries to put all the blame on the Jews gathered before him. But refusing to make a decision IS a decision. We cannot choose to be complacent either, my Friends. In a world that is still trying to crucify Jesus and the morality He stands for, you and I must choose to stand for the Truth. Just sitting back and doing nothing is only adding to the spiraling downfall of this world. For darkness to dissipate, we must hold on to the Light of the world, and let our little lights shine, or wickedness will just take over. Do not be afraid of man. Let us choose reverential fear of the Lord instead. (please see Mt 10:28; Lk 12:4-5) For the third time, Pilate declares that Jesus is guiltless. He tries one last time and says, “I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.” (Lk 23:22) Let me take a minute here. God always shows me things in “three’s” and here once again, we have Pilate stating that Jesus is innocent. This brings to my mind our human trinity: spirit, soul and body. I believe by broadcasting this judgment of the innocence of Jesus to the crowd, and to us, three times, we are seeing the Holiness of this God-man. Jesus is innocent, purer than pure, in His spirit, soul and body. He never sinned, not once, not even in His thoughts. It is only this Immaculate Christ that can take upon His Holy shoulders all the sin of the world. Everything we have thought, said or done wickedly, Jesus has taken upon His Perfect shoulders and born the pain, suffering and death that we should have. The Perfect, Holy One dying for the imperfect sinful ones. My Friends, no guilt here if you have surrendered yourself to Jesus! (see Ro 8:1) But so very much that we can rejoice about with this Good, Good News, right? Because of His obedient sacrifice, you and I get to go to Heaven when our time here is done. And if that was not enough, we can get a taste of Heaven here as well! The more we grow in Christ and become like Him, the more we can have peace in the middle of the most difficult times. We can hold our tongue when others are spouting lies about us. We can stand our ground, holding on to the Truth as the anchor for our soul. We can love others and forgive them if they are trying to persecute us. We can have compassion on a world that does not acknowledge God nor recognize their own fallen, brokenness. We can, if we remember the depth of Love God has towards mankind that He would endure all this injustice for us. “I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty.” Yet Pilate does end up sentencing Jesus to be crucified. And why? Because his eyes were focused on MMI. Because his heart was cold towards the Messiah. Because he was lost, and worldly, and did not want to get to know this King of the Jews that stood before him. Pilate, like the religious, miss God Who is right in front of him. May we not follow in their footsteps, and moreover, may we help others recognize their true King too.
Their shouts prevail. Finally, Pilate surrenders to the will of the crowd. (Lk 23:25) He releases Barabbas and has Jesus flogged. The soldiers add insult to injury by mocking Jesus, even after He is lethally scourged. (see Mt 27:27-31; Mk 15:16-20; Jn 19:2-3) They dress Jesus up in royal colors, place a crown of thorns upon His Holy head and ridicule Him as they bow and scornfully proclaim, “Hail, king of the Jews!” (Mt 27:29) They spit on Him. Slap Him. Strike Him on the head, again and again. When they tire of their cruelty, they take off the purple and scarlet robes, and they lead Him up the hill to Calvary. Purple and scarlet robes. The first points to the royalty of Jesus. The second symbolizes the blood He will shed for us and how all our sin is covered by that blood. Jesus our King, our Savior, our Lord, freely and willingly, (see Free Will here), takes our guilty verdict upon Himself. The Perfect, Holy One dying for the imperfect sinful ones. Again, let us rejoice that God loves us that much! It is good to be reminded of the depths God’s Love has gone to save us, so we may be with him in Paradise forevermore. May we choose to be grateful, more and more, and live a life reflecting God’s Love, Grace and Holiness. It is a challenge, and a long process, but every time we choose to follow the Immaculate example of Jesus, as closely as humanly possible, the more our lives become fulfilling and impactful too. As I continue to grow in Christ, I am more and more awed at His Love, and more and more desperate for His guidance. But the more desperate I get for His Presence, in and through me, the more abundant my life gets! Want that too? Then won’t you join me?
Until we meet again, keep lifting your eyes to God, He’s closer than you think.
<>< Peace, Diane
