ON TO PILATE

John 18:28-32

Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”

“If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.”

“But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected. This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.

The Jewish religious leaders had condemned Jesus in their kangaroo court – they had sentenced him to death on the basis of blasphemy. But the Jews had no authority to execute anyone. That right had been taken away by the Romans. But, interestingly enough, even if they had the right to execute someone, how would they, the Jews, have executed him? – They would have stoned him to death. No Old Testament prophecy ever said that the Savior of the world would pay for the sins of the world by being stoned to death. The Old Testament Scriptures and prophecies are clear – the Savior of the world would be hung on a tree . . . he would be crucified. (Even Jesus had prophesied that the Son of Man would be “lifted up” – he would be crucified.)

Certainly we see God’s hand in the events that took place late Maundy Thursday evening and early Good Friday morning. God had arranged everything. God had planned everything. And Jesus was willing to carry it all out. He was willing to be taken from the Jewish court to the Roman court. He was willing to be taken to Pilate who, eventually, would sentence him to death by crucifixion. See the plan, see the detail, see progression, see the fulfillment, see the wisdom, see the willingness and see the love of God that wants all – you and me – to be saved.

PRAYER: Just as you had a plan for Jesus and for the salvation of the world, Lord, I know that you have a plan for me. Make me willing, as Jesus was, to trust and accept and follow the plans that you have for me. Amen.