The crime was ours

Early in the morning Jesus was taken from Caiaphas’ house to the governor’s palace. The Jewish authorities did not go inside the palace, for they wanted to keep themselves ritually clean, in order to be able to eat the Passover meal, So Pilate went outside to them and asked, ‘What do you accuse this man of?’

Their answer was ‘We would not have brought him to you if he had not committed a crime.’ (verses 18:28-30)

Read John 18:1 – 19:42

Pilate was not happy. He had enough worries as it was. The Jewish Passover was always a difficult time. So many people about, emotions running high, and always the chance that trouble would erupt.

It was early, too—too early to deal with these people. And to top it off, they wouldn’t come inside-he had to go out to them!

What was Jesus’ crime? The Jewish authorities tried to find one and make it stick, but the evidence was flimsy and contradictory. Jesus had done nothing wrong. He was harmless and should have been set free. But Pilate didn’t like their angry mood.

Could he reason with them? No, they wanted blood—Jesus’ blood.

Finally Pilate capitulated. He let the people have their way and handed Jesus over for crucifixion, just to be rid of the whole sordid affair.

What was Jesus’ crime? Nothing. The death penalty, though, was given for a crime-ours, and all people’s. Jesus’ death was for our sins. The crime was ours.

Dear Jesus, the crime for which you died was mine. You suffered and died for my sin. Thank you for your sacrifice. Amen.

by Grace Bock, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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