Countdown to the Cross... (Thursday, April 9)

On Dark Thursday, let's read about Jesus on trial before Pilate and Herod in Luke 22:66-23:25.

An assembly of priests and teachers leads Jesus before Pilate, a Roman official. Pilate finds "no basis for a charge against this man."

Pilate sends him to Herod, who had jurisdiction over the region and people of Galilee - where Jesus is from. Herod was "greatly pleased" to finally meet Jesus. According to Pilate, Herod found "no basis for your charges against him."

So who, exactly, is responsible for Jesus' punishment and death?

Apparently, it's the angry mob of religious officials who shout, nag, and bully their way into Pilate's mind.

"With one voice they cried out" (v. 18)
"But they kept shouting, 'crucify him!'" (v. 21)
"But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed." (v.23).

And Pilate, the "leader," gives in... in a weak, disgusting moment of compromise, this Roman official "surrendered Jesus" to the will of the crowd (v.25).

The crowd came against him, and they shoulder lots of blame for Jesus' death.
Pilate initially tries to defend Jesus, but eventually becomes an accomplice.

Personally, I'd like to think that I would never join a crowd to condemn an innocent man.

I'd also like to think I'd speak up in his defense, rather than give in to the bullies.

In reality, I have no one to blame for Jesus' death but myself.

"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23).

Jesus is taking any and all sins to the cross with him. He's known all along there would be a countdown to crucifixion. Though it is the "hour" for darkness to dominate, Jesus is doing what is necessary to deal with your sins and mine.

Despised and rejected by men - not just by the Jews, but by all of us.

As we head to the cross, we need to recognize our own roles in the story.

If, as you read, you are saddened or angry at the mob... at least take a moment to do a heart-check about your own sin. Your own resentment at God. Your own unresolved issues or lack of gratitude.

If, as you reflect, you wonder why Pilate didn't show some backbone... at least look in the mirror, and ask God for some spiritual backbone to live boldly by faith.

If, as you pray, you thank Jesus for humbling himself to this kind of unjustice and mistreatment... at least see in these moments how God wants you and me to respond when we are rejected or betrayed or attacked.

Remember that prayer of Jesus just hours before these moments... "Father... not my will... but yours be done."