Jesus Sentenced to Death

IT HAS been more than nineteen centuries since Jesus was unjustly sentenced to death; and now the Supreme Court of the new state of Israel has been asked to review the circumstances of his trial, and the evidence presented, to determine the legality of the proceedings, and if deemed advisable to reverse the decision. Such a procedure might be of value to the Jewish people, but it would be of little importance to Christians, for the true followers of the Master throughout the entire age have always known that Jesus was unjustly condemned. They have known it because the prophecies of the Old Testament foretold it; they have known it through the historical records of the Gospels; and they have known it also because it is so set forth in the apostolic writings of the New Testament.

The Apostle Peter, for example, wrote concerning Jesus: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” (I Pet. 2:22) In telling us this, Peter holds Jesus up as an example for Christians, exhorting us to follow in his steps. While all true Christians know this, it is often a great test upon their loyalty to God when they are called upon to suffer wrongfully; yet the apostle tells us that IF we do well and suffer for it, this is acceptable to God. Suffering because we deserve it as a punishment for wrong-doing would not be a sacrifice, but when we suffer for righteousness’ sake the apostle tells us that such sacrifice is holy and acceptable unto God, and our “reasonable service.”—Rom. 12:1

JOHN 19:1-16—In reading the account of Jesus’ trial one is reminded of Paul’s reference to the great “contradiction of sinners” that our Redeemer was called upon to endure. (Heb. 12:3) One of the severest tests that can come upon anyone is to be looked upon unjustly as being wrong. This is true even in the little things of life. No one likes to be contradicted. But Jesus endured contradiction, not alone in small things, but also in the main issues of his life.

He was accounted worthy’ of death by the scribes and Pharisees because he claimed to be the Son of God. They alleged that this was a false claim, so they charged him with blasphemy. He was indeed the Son of God, but he allowed his accusers to contradict this great fact of his life, and condemn him to death.

The sonship charge against Jesus was a religious matter, and one which the scribes and Pharisees knew would not concern Pilate; so when they brought the Master before this Roman ruler, they told him that Jesus claimed to be a king. This was a point involving civil authority, and if it was really true, as Jesus’ accusers wanted Pilate to believe that it was, Jesus could well become a threat to Roman authority. Pilate could not ignore a charge of this sort and be loyal to Caesar. He had to give the matter consideration.

Upon examining Jesus, Pilate was convinced that he was not planning an insurrection against Roman authority. To placate the Jews, and perhaps to get over to them the idea that, as he saw it, Jesus was not a real king, he had his soldiers place a crown of thorns on his head, and dress him in a purple robe—purple at that time being a symbol of royalty. This was a contradiction of another great truth of the Master’s life—although, apparently, unwittingly so on Pilate’s part.

Jesus WAS a king, and he told Pilate so. He was destined to be the greatest King of all times, yet on this very issue he was derided and scorned—contradicted. The Jews didn’t really believe that Jesus was a king and do not accept him as such even to this day. Pilate, although apparently having considerable respect for Jesus, evidently viewed his kingship claim as being based on nothing more than religious fanaticism. Yet despite the disbelief of Pilate and the Jews that Jesus was really a king, they put him to death on this charge.

When Pilate told the Jews that he could find no fault in Jesus, but gave them the liberty to crucify him on their own initiative, they were quick to explain that according to their law Jesus was worthy of death because he claimed to be the Son of God. Their “conscience” would not permit them to kill the Master because he claimed to be a king for professedly they were all looking for a king who would be able to deliver them from the Roman yoke of bondage; but it was this charge that they hoped Pilate would act upon and condemn Jesus to death.

Their reference to Jesus as being the Son of God interested Pilate. It was the first he had heard of this, apparently, so he took the Master aside for further questioning. The account says that Pilate was afraid. He tried to find out from Jesus what was involved in the religious charge concerning divine sonship. But Jesus refused to answer. In the first place, Jesus had no intention of trying to defend himself. He knew that the time had come for him to die for the sins of the world, and he had no desire to sidestep his privilege. And besides, he knew that anything he would say to clarify the matter in Pilate’s mind would not be understood.

Jesus’ accusers were very clever. Seeing that Pilate was trying to find an excuse to release Jesus, they then turned upon him, charging that he was no friend of Caesar’s. The implication was that Caesar would sooner or later hear about this—hear that Pilate had protected a man who was aspiring to be a king and to overthrow Caesar. Pilate knew that these Jews were desperate enough to make sure that such a report did reach Caesar.

Pilate would have liked to mete out justice to the Master, and would have done so had the circumstances permitted. But now the enemies of Jesus had maneuvered Pilate into a position where he had to make a choice between doing what they wanted him to do, or else possibly sacrifice his own standing before Caesar. Being but a natural man, and viewing the matter from the standpoint of self-interest, his choice was obvious, and the Jews had their way.

As Christians we are not to hold ill will against Pilate, nor against those who sought and obtained the death of Jesus. While the religious leaders of the Jews were not altogether ignorant, the great mob who were influenced by them doubtless acted largely under the influence of superstition, hence were not too accountable. Paul tells us that the Lord proposes to extend mercy to them when he takes away their sin under the administration of the New Covenant. (Rom. 11:25-32) If the Lord will show them mercy, surely we should not hold anything in our hearts against them. In any case, it was necessary that Jesus die for our sins, and also for the sins of the whole world.—I John 2:2

QUESTIONS

In what way did Jesus endure great “contradiction of sinners”?

Why was Pilate afraid when he learned that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God?

Did those who clamored for the death of Jesus sin willfully?

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