Guilty or Not Guilty

 N.T.#653  "Guilty or Not Guilty?"

Oct. 17, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

The violation of the Mosaic Law carried no weight with the Roman government. Jesus was accused of treason, which was utterly absurd. Peter found a gold coin in a fish's mouth to pay for the taxes. He is the Christ, King of the Jews, and Son of God. that was no lie or blasphemy. Pilate said that Jesus had committed no crime for which He could be charged. He wasn't leading a revolution, either. Jesus did not rebel against authority. So Pilate wanted to get off the hook and sent Jesus to Herod. After all, Jesus was from Galilee and under Herod's jurisdiction. Conveniently, Herod was in Jerusalem. (J.V. McGee)

What do we know about this Herod?

• This was Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great and tetrarch who ruled over Galilee. (verse 7)
• This was the guy who put John the Baptist in prison and later beheaded him. 
• Herod was concerned about Jesus yet had not had a chance to meet him face-to-face. Pilate gave him that chance.
• Herod was exceeding glad to see Jesus. (verse 8a) 
• He hoped to see Jesus perform some miracle. 
• He asked Jesus questions, but Jesus did not answer. This was trial #5. 
• During this trial, the chief priests and scribes vehemently (mightly, fiercely) accused Jesus. (verse 10)
• Herod and his men mocked Jesus by dressing Him in bright clothing like a false king and sent Him back to Pilate. (verse 11)

Jesus kept His mouth shut during this trial. It would have done no good had He spoken up.

There are times we just need to be still and let God handle the accusations. Most of the time His revenge for us is worse than we could have thought of to do.

LET IT GROW

What is ironic about this situation is Pilate and Herod were enemies before this, but now the circumstances brought them together. 

When Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, his verdict was "not guilty." So far, the Jewish religious leaders had not accomplished getting Jesus condemned to death. We know Jesus had committed no sin. Herod threw Pilate's problem back in his face. 

Was Jesus guilty or not guilty of those accusations?

They made fun of King Jesus, who is actually King of the Jews and believers. There was one day that they had to stand before Jesus and confess He is their LORD. (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11)

If we went on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?

LET IT GO

consider our words and actions. One day we will all give an account for them. 

We all need forgiveness and grace and mercy.