Christ in the Courts (Luke 23:1-31)
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Pilate, Round One (verses 1-7)
Jesus is presented by the Sanhedrin to Pilate as a politically motivated revolutionary with aspirations for the throne of the land. But Pilate recognized that Jesus is not concerned with overthrowing rulers now or setting up a physical kingdom. He makes his initial declaration of Christ’s innocence, saying, “I find no guilt in this man.” At this point, the trial should be over, but the Jews lodge an appeal against Pilate’s verdict. In stark contrast with Jesus’ resolve to do only His Father’s will, this hyper-religious mob was intent on overriding the will of their political authority and having their own will accomplished.
Herod (verses 8-12)
When Pilate finds out that Jesus’ is a Galilean, he assumes that he has figured out a solution for dealing with Christ by passing Him off on Herod. This is the same cruel Herod that locked John the Baptist up in prison and had him beheaded. He was a sensual, worldly man that was living in open adultery with his brother’s wife. His desire to see Jesus was motivated merely by curiosity, wanting to be entertained. He had no sense of the worthiness of Christ or any desire to follow Him. When Herod failed to solicit anything from Christ, he proceeded to mock Him, robing Him in regal garb and sending Him back to Pilate. The friendship between Pilate and Herod beginning that day was rooted in common contempt for Christ (Psalm 2:2).
Pilate, Round Two (verses 13-17)
In all, Pilate declares three times that Christ is innocent (v4, 14, 22), but in an attempt to please the crowd he decides on a cruel compromise, sending Jesus off for a beating and then planning to release Him. The crowd, however, was not satisfied with Pilate’s compromise and demands instead that he release Barabbas, the insurrectionist and murderer, and crucify Jesus, the innocent One. Although “their demand” (v24) and “their will” (v25) was granted, it wasn’t merely theirs, it was God’s (Luke 22:42).
As long as the world exists, this stands as evidence of humanity’s sinful nature. The Son of God came down to save his people, yet they rejected, despised, and crucified Him. Not only that, the blood that was shed has been crying out against them as a nation for 2000+ years as they have been scattered across the globe, wandering here and there, and until recent history, lacking a government or a land. When a nation makes its stand against God, it should be no surprise when God judges the nation.
Cross: Carry, Cry, Cover (verses 26-31)
The cross that Jesus had been talking about now comes onto the scene. Normally, criminals carried their own cross, and Jesus did for the majority of the way (John 19:17), but eventually Simon the Cyrene was ordered to help. But Simon’s participation in the crime was not like that of the religious leaders, Judas, Satan or the crowd. Whereas Simon was forced to aid in Christ’s crucifixion, the rest did so willingly.
In light of so much cruelty and brutality, the women that mourned in compassion for Jesus showed great courage. As Jesus addressed them, we see again His selflessness even in His darkest moments. He reminds them that tears of pity were not, and are not, the need of the day. We are not merely to weep over the injustice and cruelty of Christ’s death, but to weep over our sins that caused His suffering!
Those who called for Christ’s death will one day call out again, not for the death of the innocent, but for their own death to escape the judgment of the One they had previously condemned (Luke 22:69). The wrath of God is more difficult to bear than Christ’s cross. If you say “no” to the love and mercy of the cross, then you are saying “yes” to the condemnation of God.
– In what ways do we see a similar spirit as Herod in our own day? In what ways are you tempted to desire to be entertained by Christ or His Church rather than to worship Him and serve and love His Church?
– Pilate recognized Jesus’ innocence, but failed to worship Him. What is the difference between thinking highly of Jesus and following Him? What is the difference between merely agreeing with Jesus and actually devoting your allegiance, trust, and faith to Him? How has this difference affected the way you live?
– What is the relationship between God’s sovereign will and the sinfulness of the Jews, Herod, and Pilate? Is their sin disrupting the completion of His perfect will? Is there anything that can disrupt God’s perfect will?