Jesus' Suffering, Death and ResurrectionSampel

Political intrigue

“Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no guilt in this man.’” (Luke 23:4-5)

The Jewish Council had decided to kill Jesus. He had to be eliminated before He could do any more damage. But, because the Romans were in charge in Israel, the Jews themselves were not allowed to carry out executions. For that, they were dependent on the Roman government. Therefore, they took Jesus to governor Pilate. Since the latter would not be impressed by theological disputes, they devised some politically sensitive charges, namely that Jesus would incite the people to rebel against Roman authority. Pilate soon noticed that these charges made no sense and concluded that Jesus was innocent.

But that did not conclude the matter. The Jewish leaders continued to bring accusations. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, the king of Galilee (the area where Jesus had also been preaching many times). Again, Jesus was questioned and mocked without being pronounced guilty. Then He was sent back to Pilate, who concluded once again that the politically-motivated charges proved false and that Jesus was, therefore, innocent. But instead of Pilate actually releasing Jesus, he proposed to punish Him! Anything to keep the Jews happy...

The trial of Jesus was an accumulation of injustice. The religious leaders wanted His death, and the political leaders failed to take responsibility.

What feelings come to mind as you read this story?