A Perversion of Justice

Luke 22:54-23:46

Jesus is betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and handed over to the religious leaders. Everything about Jesus infuriated the leaders. He was popular among the people in ways they never could be. He taught with authority that was astounding as he proclaimed the kingdom of God. He healed people, performed miracles, fed the hungry, and fulfilled all the promises of the messiah. The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees hated Jesus and finally had their chance to kill him. As they brought Jesus to be questioned they asked him: "are you then, the Son of God?" to which Jesus replied "you say that I am." (Luke 22:70) This was enough testimony for the religious leaders to condemn Jesus. He does not admit anything nor deny anything. He has not incited riots nor disturbed the peace. Yet, at this point his fate is sealed. The leaders have committed themselves to Jesus' death. They had him over to Pilate and then Herod for questioning and neither finds any cause for punishment. Yet the leaders persist in finding Jesus guilty. They stir up the crowd to ask for Barabbas' release and to crucify Jesus. Finally Pilate grew tired of debating and gave into their demands.

But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. Luke 23:23-24

It did not prove to be overly difficult to convince Pilate to condemn an innocent man to death. He went along with it and released Barabbas.  Jesus had done nothing worthy of punishment, let alone be sentenced to die. He was accused out of jealousy and spite. Pilate orders his death like it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience in his day. Jesus' death was a perversion of justice and a moral failure for all involved. Yet, Jesus remains ever faithful and ever obedient and even asks God to forgive them all. "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Indeed, they did not know what they were doing. It was they, and us, who deserve condemnation. It was they, and us, who deserve punishment and death. Yet, Jesus says nothing of our sins, nothing of our failures. He accepts the blame and takes the pain. Jesus takes our place and asks God to forgive us. We have sinned and fallen short in so many ways, yet Jesus offers us a reprieve. We can proclaim today Good Friday because of it.