Trials of Jesus Part 2

Lent 4: Trials of Jesus Part 2 Isaiah 53:4-12 Psalm 22:1-8 Hebrews 9:23-28 Mark 15:2-20 Last week, we examined the religious trials of Jesus. This week we turn our attention to the civil trials. (Mark 15:2-20) Who's involved? Pontius Pilate, the 5th Roman Governor of Judea The Chief Priests, who plotted to kill Jesus Barbaras, the prisoner released in place of Jesus The multitude - a crowd gathered to watch the proceedings The soldiers - who mocked Jesus What where the charges? Jesus forbids paying taxes to Caesar (a lie, see Lk 23:2; Lk 20:22-25) He claims to be Christ, a King He riles up the people through his teachings in Judea and Galilee The trials before the Roman authorities started with Pilate after Jesus was beaten. The charges brought against Him were very different from the charges in His religious trials. He was charged with inciting people to riot, forbidding the people to pay their taxes, and claiming to be King. Pilate found no reason to kill Jesus so he sent Him to Herod. Herod had Jesus ridiculed but, wanting to avoid the political liability, sent Jesus back to Pilate. This was the last trial as Pilate tried to appease the animosity of the Jews by having Jesus scourged. The Roman scourge was a terrible whipping designed to remove the flesh from the back of the one being punished. In a final effort to have Jesus released, Pilate offered the prisoner Barabbas to be crucified and Jesus released, but to no avail. The crowds called for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified. Pilate granted their demand and surrendered Jesus to their will. The trials of Jesus represent the ultimate mockery of justice. Jesus, the most innocent man in the history of the world, was found guilty of crimes and sentenced to death by crucifixion. The injustice at Jesus' trials is overwhelming. False charges. Physical abuse. But remember, this was all in keeping with God's divine plan. A plan in which Jesus predicted himself would occur. A plan in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 53:4-12) We can learn an important lesson from being falsely accused ourselves. It's natural to feel hurt, to feel angry. Yet we know the truth. Keep focused on the bigger picture. Those who falsely accuse will stand in judgement one day. And such decisions have eternal consequences. Steadfast God, you reach out to us in mercy even when we rebel against your holy call and prefer to walk in disobedience rather than in the way of your divine truth. soften our hearts with the warmth of your love, that we may know your Son alive within us, redeeming us and raising us up into your eternal presence. Amen