Innocent but Found Guilty

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Opening Prayer

Giver of all I have and am, today I offer You my praise and devotion.

Read Matthew 27:11-26

^[11] Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. ^[12] When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ^[13] Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ^[14] But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge-to the great amazement of the governor. ^[15] Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ^[16] At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. ^[17] So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” ^[18] For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him. ^[19] While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” ^[20] But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. ^[21] “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. ^[22] “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” ^[23] “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” ^[24] When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” ^[25] All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” ^[26] Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Meditate

“Every time I think I have grasped him I discover something else that amazes me” (Archbishop Stuart Blanch, 1918-94). Pilate was amazed by Jesus; may we never take him for granted!

Think Further

Jesus’ approach to the Roman trial is identical to his stance before the Sanhedrin. He maintains a dignified silence apart from acknowledging his true identity. The focus of the whole passage is upon his innocence. He impresses Pilate (14), who is singularly unimpressed by the chief priests’ motives (18) and believes that Jesus is innocent under Roman law (24). Pilate’s convictions are confirmed by the message from his wife. Matthew wants us to understand that God’s Spirit is the source of her dream. Just as the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at his baptism and the Father affirmed the identity of his loved Son, so, as Jesus affirms his identity before Pilate, the Spirit attests his innocence through a Gentile woman. Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy including three Gentile women. Soon after, the Gentile Magi are asking a Roman puppet king about “the King of the Jews.” Now a Gentile woman bears witness before her husband, the Roman ruler, and is ignored.

Jesus’ innocence contrasts with the culpability of all the other participants: the chief priests, the crowd, Barabbas, who had already been convicted and sentenced, and Pilate. Despite his melodramatic pretense of innocence, Pilate put expedience over justice and knowingly sent an innocent man to a terrible death. At this point the disciples are nowhere to be seen. Although Jesus appeared to be the one on trial, it was Jewish piety and Roman law that were found wanting. The best the human race has to offer is found wanting in the light of Christ.

The life and example of Jesus Christ reveal to all of us our need of his atoning death. By this part of the narrative, Jesus stands alone. He is the innocent one who will sacrifice himself for the guilty.

Apply

In the light of the innocence of Jesus, his transparent purity and love, what do you see as needing cleansing in your life?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, Your love amazes me. You died so that I might live. Your righteousness is mine; my sins are placed on You. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

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