Day 311, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Mark 15:6-21; Matthew 27:15-32; Luke 23:13-32; John 18:39–19:17a
Unjustly Convicted and Sentenced!
A parent punishes the wrong child, or a teacher punishes the wrong student for misbehaviors. An adult is disciplined at work or fired for something that was not his fault. An innocent person is implicated in a crime and suffers many long years in prison. These are examples of being unjustly convicted and sentenced.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus is unjustly convicted and sentenced for crimes he didn’t commit. Why? What evil do they accuse him of? What can we do if anything like this happens to us? Let’s learn from the Lord.
Jesus is innocent but accused of crimes against God and the state. As Pilate interviews this man, he perceives that Jesus is mysterious but has done nothing worthy of death. The religious leaders are envious of Jesus’ popularity and are trying to get rid of their competition.
Meanwhile, as Jesus is being questioned, the Chief Priests and ruling Elders work up the crowd against him.
Pilate wants to release Jesus. On the Passover Feast, the Jews had a custom asking for the trade of one criminal for another. The governor proposes this compromise. However, he is confused and surprised when the crowd cries out for Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer, to be released instead of Jesus.
Injustice to Christ
Pilate knows Jesus is innocent. He wants to do the right thing and release him.
For the third time he spoke to [the crowd], Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will (Luke 23:22-25, NIV).
Pilate's Cowardice
Pilate is a cowardly politician. He desires to do the right thing, but he doesn’t want a report brought to Caesar that he let a proclaimed king go free (John 19:12-15). If he heard about it, Pilate might lose his coveted position.Do we do this? Do we act without integrity because some bad things that might happen? Do we seek to please men or God? If we aim to please men, we can’t be servants of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
Barabbas is released. Many are like him, although they may not be troublemakers, murderers, or start an uprising. They want to be king. They are rebellious in their spirits by refusing to accept God’s Son as their savior and king or by refusing to obey him. Does this describe any of us?
Shifting blame
“But we are not murderers like Barabbas,” we may say. True, we may not have committed the physical act of murder. However, if we have a continual hatred for people, Jesus said we commit murder in our hearts (Matthew 5:21-22).
If this is true, the love of God is not in us, we are not true Christians, and we are as guilty as Barabbas (1John 3:15; 4:20). In such a case, whether we do or merely think acts of hatred, all wrongdoing of whatever sort makes us guilty and totally without hope in this world.
Is there good news? Yes! Although we are all sinners, Christ came to take our place—“the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God” (1Peter 3:18a, NIV). By his grace, when we call to him in our desperation, we can be saved.
What to do about Injustice
Christians, what can we do when we suffer injustice? We can go to the police and our governing authorities for justice (Romans 13:1-5).
If it is a religious matter and there are no civil laws to protect us, we are not to take revenge. The Apostle Paul instructs us,
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21, NIV)Discussion
Why do we sometimes suffer injustices?
What do we do when we have been wronged, falsely accused, and even convicted for something we didn’t do?
Focus Verse
Romans 12:21 (NIV) “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Watch a dramatized version of the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response. You can join me if you wish.
Dear Father in heaven, we worship you! You are a good God, faithful and true. You have all power, wisdom, and grace. Even if we suffer, you are right beside us.
Sometimes, as in the case of Jesus, we must go through tough times so that many or a few people are saved. Please give us the daily courage, tenacity, and perspective we need to meet these challenges.
May we not give in to the temptation of quitting because of persecution. May we forgive others who hurt us and receive their forgiveness. May all things be done for your glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: In our Next Lesson we observe the Eight Responses to the Cross (crucifixion) of Jesus. Which is ours?
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