Jesus Tried By Pilate
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
3/22/2009 PM
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Text:
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Mark 15:1-5,15
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Psalters: |
237, 387, 223, 156 |
- The participants
- Pontius Pilate is the Roman governor – a position of God-ordained authority.
- Jesus confirmed this (John 19:10,11).
- Pilate was appointed to this position by Caesar, the Roman emperor, who is the political power of Antichirst.
- The issue was Jesus’ Kingship: “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” (2).
- The Jews accused Jesus of “forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.” (Luke 23:2).
- Though Christ is the anointed King of God, their specific accusation is a lie.
- Jesus immediately lets Pilate know that His kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36).
- Pilate tried Jesus.
- Pilate had his authority from God only.
- He was responsible, not to the people, but to God.
- As judge he had the obvious duty to release Jesus and condemn the scribes and Pharisees.
- In the whole trial he was convinced that Jesus was innocent.
- Pilate hears the evidence, but finds nothing at all against Jesus: “I find no fault in this man” (Luke 23:4).
- Four times Pilate tried to release Jesus (Luke 23:4,6-12,14; Mark 15:14).
- Jesus’ silence (3) again evidences his innocence, that the charges are false (I Peter 2:23).
- Yet Pilate revealed himself to be a very wicked judge (John 18:28).
- He is governed by fear - afraid of Jesus’ silence and of the Jews.
- He is moved, not by Jesus’ innocence, but by self preservation.
- The significance.
- Why did God deem it necessary that Jesus be brought before the Roman governor and judge?
- First, to establish Jesus’ innocence, and that before the best law of the land.
- Second, to reveal the deliberate perversity of justice by the world-power, resulting in their condemnation.
- It seemed as if Christ, the King, was defeated.
- The King of truth humbled Himself and allowed Himself to be judged by the antichristian beast.
- But His is the victory, as He fights the fight His Father gave Him to fight.