“The Trial of Innocence: Justice Betrayed by the Voice of the Crowd”
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Introduction
Introduction
In exploring the theme of "Justice in the Court of Public Opinion," the biblical account found in Luke 23:14-18 offers a powerful and illustrative example.
This passage recounts the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate.
Pilate, the Roman governor, publicly declares, “I have found no basis for your charges against him.” Despite Pilate’s assertion of Jesus’ innocence, the crowd's outcry and demands for crucifixion ultimately override the legal judgment.
The scene becomes a stark depiction of the dynamics between legal justice and public sentiment.
The passage highlights how the collective voice of a crowd, driven by emotion, influence, and social pressures, can overwhelm the structured legal system.
Pilate’s hesitant attempts at justice are met with the unyielding fervor of the people, showcasing how public opinion can wield extraordinary power over outcomes that, in theory, should be determined by impartial judgment.
The narrative serves as a reminder that justice in its truest form can be easily overshadowed when influenced by popular opinion, revealing the tension between truth and the will of the masses.
This story raises significant questions for modern society:
What happens when the court of public opinion dictates verdicts that conflict with reasoned justice?
How does the influence of popular sentiment shape outcomes in our current legal and social structures?
The account of Jesus before Pilate invites reflection on the balance between the pursuit of true justice and the power of collective voices, calling for an examination of how we navigate similar tensions today.
“Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people; and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him.” (Luke 23:14) PILATE’S statement in this verse is a most enlightening statement. It shows the vileness of man, but it also shows the vindication of Christ.
Point#1- Vileness of man
Luke 23:2, Luke 23:5
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
5 But they persisted in saying, “He incites the people by teaching throughout all Judea. It started in Galilee and ended up here!”
They are still making such charges today against Christ and the Bible.
These wicked people has taken the bible out of schools
They’ve taken prayer out of schools
The Chaplain does not pray in the name of Jesus
The biggest crime was when the devil has kept us so busy that we don;t even pray in our hearts.
It is the accusations and character of evil men that are grossly perverted. Christ is not the One that is perverted; it is man that is perverted.
Vileness refers to the quality of being extremely unpleasant, wicked, or morally reprehensible. It describes actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are deeply offensive, disgusting, or characterized by evil. The term often implies a level of depravity or moral corruption that provokes strong aversion.
This was a most preposterous charge, but that did not keep evil people from making the charge. Evil people make charges regardless of the facts.
8 The wicked walk on every side, When the vilest men are exalted.
Instead of exulting vile people in our lives, we need to send them to Jesus.
3 Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4 And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
We wear the sackcloth of shame and sorrow. God strips it off and clothes us in His very own garment of beauty. As David wore the clothes of Jonathan the prince, clothes already warm with princely wearing, so God clothes us in the beautiful garments of His Son already warm with His princely heart of immeasurable love. This is the antidote for our vileness.
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, To give unto them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they might be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Stop following the crowd and follow Jesus
Point 2- Vindication of Christ.
Luke 23:14-15
14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: 15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.”
22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What wrong has he done? I have found him guilty of no crime deserving death. I will therefore flog him and release him.”
Pilate gave Christ an open examination in regards to the accusations leveled against Him.
The examination resulted in a complete vindication of Christ from the accusations.
Whenever you examine Christ according to the facts, you will always vindicate Him.
He will always come out without any charge of evil against Him.
Pilate was nothing short of amazed about Christ. And anyone who really examines the facts about Jesus Christ will also be amazed at Him.
Judas said Jesus was innocent:
4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!” But they said, “What is that to us? You take care of it yourself!”
Pilate’s wife dreamed Jesus was Innocent
19 As he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man; I have suffered greatly as a result of a dream about him today.”
Pilate washed his hands knowing the blood of Jesus was on his hands
24 When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but that instead a riot was starting, he took some water, washed his hands before the crowd and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You take care of it yourselves!”
The Centurion saw that Jesus is the Son of God
54 Now when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and what took place, they were extremely terrified and said, “Truly this one was God’s Son!”
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
The Old Testament told us Jesus was innocent
Is 53:9
9 And he made his grave with the wicked,
And with the rich in his death;
Because he had done no violence,
Neither was any deceit in his mouth.
You cannot keep a good man down…
21 God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.
Define Vindication:
Vindication refers to the act of exonerating or absolving someone from blame, responsibility, or accusation.
In legal contexts, vindication may relate to the complete exoneration from an accusation.
The word "vindication" comes from the Latin "vindicatio," which means "a laying claim, defense, or vindication"
The Resurrection is God’s declaration of the innocence of Jesus.
3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
Jesus Christ was declared righteous by His resurrection from the dead. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead
Instead of a perverter, He is the greatest blessing society can ever have. Mankind may call Him a perverter, but the facts call Him Wonderful.
The very life and ministry of Jesus Christ was itself a divine paradox.
1. He hungered, yet fed multitudes.
2. He thirsted, yet is the Water of life.
3. He grew weary, yet is our rest.
4. He paid tribute, yet is the King of kings.
5. He prayed, yet hears our prayers.
6. He wept, yet dries our tears.
7. He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, yet redeems the world.
8. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and yet is the Good Shepherd.
9. He was put to death, yet raises the dead.
Hymn
I heard an old, old story
How a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning
Of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory, yeah