The enemies of Jesus had been plotting for a long time against him. They thought of Jesus as one of the other rabble-rousers who wanted to organize a revolt against Roman rule. However, the experience of Jesus was quite different in so many ways. Jesus knew he was going to be arrested and murdered. All through the final days leading up to the resurrection of Christ he was always in charge. In the garden our Lord told Peter that if he wished he could ask his Heavenly Father to rescue him by sending 12 legions of angels. (Matthew 26: 53) There was not a moment in all his horrendous experience Jesus was not able to put a stop to the arrest, trial, and consequential crucifixion. In his prayer alone in the garden, he asked his Father to detour the events if it were possible. Then in total submission, Jesus said, “Nevertheless, not my will but thy will be done.”
Christ was shuffled back and forth between the Sanhedrin court, Pilate’s judgment seat, and the throne of King Herod. Throughout that time. Jesus suffered so much against his dignity, abuse, and assaults. At no time did Christ seek revenge against the sinful men who colluded against his life. He was born to die. He came into the world for us. His life was a perfect demonstration of heavenly innocence. His death would’ve been meaningless if he had not been resurrected from his grave after three days.
The religious leaders of the Jews were greatly relieved when Judas thought he could coerce Christ into declaring his earthly kingship. They were at a loss how to coordinate the discharge of Jesus off the stage of organized religion. The motives this group of people had against Christ was out of jealousy for his popularity while fearing they could lose their jobs. They ignored the Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled by Jesus. The cooperation they gained from the governor was by blackmail when they threatened to report him to Rome for not taking a stand against the man they said who wanted to overthrow Roman rule.
Jesus challenged the Jewish leaders by saying he was openly teaching in the temple at which time they could’ve had him arrested whenever they wished. The trial was illegal because it took place during the dark night, orchestrated men who lied against Jesus, and was too close to the Sabbath day. Also, they did not simply want Jesus imprisoned or punished. They wanted him murdered but their religion and culture denied them the authority to carry out. The Roman court activities were also illegal because there was no evidence against Jesus. The release of Barabbas was not dictated by Roman law but by Jewish tradition which Pilate did not have to observe representing the Roman government. In conjunction with all this criminal activity by those who were supposed to support jurisprudence was the return of 30 pieces of silver by Judas. That amount of money was likely the cost of a slave. The denial of Peter three times stunned Peter himself. At one point Jesus in a personal conversation with Peter beforehand said that he had prayed for him. Imagine the significance that the Son of God prayed for the man who abandoned him. When Jesus stumbled under the weight of the cross, sympathetic women reached out to him. Jesus responded with one last prophecy that was fulfilled in 70 A.D. by the Gen. Titus who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. It was because of Jesus’ prophecy that some believers left Jerusalem and hid in surrounding areas.
All of this criminal activity done by those who are supposed uphold the law, both Jewish and Gentiles, reminds us that our salvation was gained by the Lord Jesus Christ out of love and for nothing good about us.
Christian Writer 