166. Jesus’ trial
before Roman Governor Pontius Pilate- Matt. 27:1-2, 11-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke
23:1-7, 11-25, John 18:28-40; 19:1-16
-Of all the gospels, John is the one who gives us the most
interaction between Jesus and Pontius Pilate during the period when He was
delivered over to this governor and prefect over Judea in the time of Caesar Tiberius
(a marker was found in 1961 in Caesarea Maritima indicating this historical
fact). Pilate and Herod both were in Jerusalem at this pivotal moment for the
Passover of the Jews. Pilate, we can observe, is respectful of the Jewish
customs and traditions. By this demonstration and some of the words of the
Gospel writers, we see in many respects his fear of the people and his desire
to please them in order to keep a spirit of expedient tranquility. His desire
was to release Jesus with some punishment, but he certainly did not want to
condemn Him to death based on the charges that were levied and his
conversations with the Lord. He was seeking truth, but he never could fully
realize that Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, was standing right before
him. What a sad description for this man of the world who found himself at the spiritual
climax of history with a major decision. This trial had all the intrigue one
could ever want with crucial choices and rushed deliberation that typified the
chaos of the hour and the mob mentality of group think. In the midst of it all,
we are to understand that Jesus had all authority of the situation, but yielded
His authority to the Father’s will and went to His death sacrificially without
a fight because His Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36; 19:11). The
cries for crucifixion in the end prevailed as Barabbas was released and Jesus
was punished and scoffed at.
-*Application* God always gives us choice in the matter of
spiritual things. Although He is still sovereign and His will prevails, we have
a major part in the drama of this world. Make your decisions carefully
realizing the eternal impact of them. Let God use you in your generation as He
wills for His glory (Acts 13:36). Follow His Word and submit to His authority
just as our Savior did.
Verses to Memorize-
Matthew 27:25, John 18:36
167. Jesus beaten and
mocked by soldiers- Matt. 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3
-Jesus was flogged in the back, beaten with a reed on His
head, spit upon, crowned with thorns twisted together and crushed down on His
head, and was arrayed in a purple robe to be mocked as a defeated king by the
Roman soldiers. He suffered immense verbal and physical torture as He went to
His sacrificial death for the sins of mankind. Satan filled these mockers and
they acted out in brutality against the King of kings and Lord of lords.
*Application* This scene makes most, if not all, of our persecution that we
receive pale in comparison to the torment that Jesus endured on our behalf. We
should notice His response to every insult and blow. He returned blessing and
love for every evil thing done against Him (Luke 23:34). This is the Law of
Christ that we love our enemies and bless those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44,
Luke 6:27, 35, Romans 12:14).
Verse to Memorize- Matthew
27:29
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