Guilty or Innocent

 N.T.#304 "Guilty or Innocent?"

May 14, 2024 

Matthew 27-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

We can pick up more details with John. The chief priests and officers cried out to Pilate, "Crucify Him," referring to Jesus.  Pilate saith unto them, Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him. (John 19:6)

How did the Jews answer the governor? We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.  (verse 8)

It wasn't blasphemy, for Jesus Christ Is The Son of God. He did not lie.

Jesus was innocent according to Roman law. However, He claimed to be God, and by Jewish law, He should die. (Lev. 24:16) This made Pilate more afraid.  Pilate realized he may have been dealing with The Son of God, so he went back into the hall to speak with Jesus again. 

Why didn't Jesus talk to Pilate? Did He realize Pilate had the power (privilege, force, influence) to crucify Him? Oh, yes. Jesus could read minds and hearts. 

What was Jesus' reply? You have no power over Me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin. (verse 11)

Caiaphas had planned the entire plot to kill Christ and had committed the greater sin and would be more accountable to God. (Falwell)

If a person exercises any authority on earth, ultimately that authority has been granted by God. Are you a church leader? If we have authority, will we use it for kingdom purposes or not? One day we will have to give an account for our own use of authority because God is our ultimate authority. One may be a boss, but he isn't The Boss-God.

LET IT GROW 

Pilate kept trying to release Jesus, but the Jews wouldn't let him off the hook. They claimed if Pilate released Jesus, then he wasn't a friend of Caesar. They pitted the governor against the Roman emperor. As Pilate sat down on the judgment seat to proclaim his verdict, one day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so He may render a verdict to us, judging our service and faithfulness to Him.

 What will He say to you? "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into My rest? Or depart into outer darkness  for He doesn't know you?"

Surrender to Jesus now as your Savior while you have time, dear one. Once you die it will be too late.

Shall Pilate crucify the Jew’s King? The Jews declared that they had no king except Caesar.(verse 15)

It was preparation time for Passover, and about the sixth hour, so they had to hurry and get the guilty conviction. They could not have a man hanging on a cross then bury him during the Passover celebration. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are my King.

Help me to not work for my own kingdom, but for Yours.

You alone are worthy of worship and service.

Hail King Jesus!!