How does one decide if a person is guilty or not guilty? In a court there are laws that govern decisions for justice and fairness. However, many decisions are influenced by what others think—even by the crowd!
Jesus was tried six times—three times by the Jewish authorities and three by the Romans—but not once was convicted of a crime deserving death. However, the crowd demanded His crucifixion.
What should Pilate do? Was it a right for Pilate to release Barabbas who was guilty of insurrection and murder? Was that the way to settle a case, and did it even follow common sense? Did the Jewish or Roman laws allow him to do this—release a man guilty of murder and convict a just Man guilty of no crime?
No-one in the judgement hall questioned Pilate’s decision. No-one asked whether it was just or sensible. The leaders and priests had lost their minds and were intent on killing Jesus. How would you have responded if there?
On January 8, 1992, I was arrested by the Daru Police in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. It was a very unpleasant experience. It was very stressful. I could not eat. I appeared before the court on January 13, accused of being in possession of three high-powered guns without a firearm licence. Before the court I told the truth: I had removed the guns from criminals causing a nuisance in the town but had not been able to dispose of them before being arrested! I was found to be not guilty and set free!
The truth I revealed in court set me free. However, not with Jesus. The truth about Jesus as the Son of God and King of the Jews did not set Him free. Instead, He was sentence to death for the truth! The truth of the evidence revealed He was not guilty! Herod and Pilate both agreed—yet He was sentenced to death.
Why was Jesus sentenced to death? Should He have been released? But then, what would have become of the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3-5—that as a lamb He would be slaughtered? How would John the Baptist’s proclamation of Jesus being the Lamb of God come true? (John 1:29). And how would He crush the head of the serpent if He was not crucified? (Genesis 3:15).
Although not guilty, wicked men acted out of selfishness, greed and pride—and Jesus died on time according to God’s will as the remedy for our sins. Sentenced to die for the good of all humanity. Without knowing it, and acting to protect their positions, the time was right for Jesus to die.
Although the decision was not in His favour, Jesus knew His time had come to glorify God and to save the world. Pilate crucified Jesus, who was not guilty, to gain favour and hold his position, not knowing that Jesus had to die to accomplish God’s plan.
Jesus knew His time was up. “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). To be sentence to death was not a surprise to Him.
He knew He was going to suffer. He was prepared for it. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His death was not a surprise to Him, but a surprise to His followers. His advice to the women, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and your children” (Luke 23:28). No need to cry! Jesus was accomplishing something for all humanity.
Jesus was precise about His death. He would die and be resurrected to life again on the third day. He knew He would come back. He is a Lifegiver. Those who trust in Him will be resurrected. Jesus was giving hope to all humanity.
Leaders killed Jesus out of jealousy, pride, hatred and for position. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus which brings justification, peace, forgiveness, access to the throne of God and eternal life. Jesus died on time for all. We can sing, preach and teach about God’s death and resurrection. The death and resurrection of Jesus brings joy to our hearts.
Garry Laukei is a chaplain at Sonoma Adventist College, East New Britain in PNG.
