INNOCENT BLOOD

Posted on by Rev. Jeanie Martin

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea from A.D. 26-36. He was solely connected to the trials and crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate was never popular with the Jews because to them, he was insensitive to their religious convictions and stubborn in the pursuit of his policies.

Since the Jews could not execute a person without approval from the Roman authorities (John 18:31), the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate to pronounce a death sentence; (Mark 14:64). Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man? They claim that Jesus was a criminal.

While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him”; (Matt. 27:19).

After questioning Jesus, Pilate seemed convinced that Jesus was not guilty of anything deserving death. He found no crime against him; He was an innocent victim. All four Gospels record that Pilate sought to release Jesus; (Matt. 27:24; Mark 15:9-11; Luke 23:14; John 18:38-40; 19:12).

However, the Jews wanted Jesus dead.  “Why,” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him?”; (Matt. 27:23). It was because of political pressure Pilate had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified; (Mark 15:15). Jesus was found guilty and was charged for being the King of the Jews.

When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person; you see to it; (Matt. 27:24). This was done in accordance to Scripture; (Deut. 21:6; Ps. 26). Pilate may have washed his hands, but he could not purify his heart or his conscious of the blood of a righteous man. So they freed Barabbas and crucified Jesus. 

On this Resurrection Sunday, we honor our sinless Savior. Because of His great love for us, Christ chose the nails. He saw the complete picture at the beginning, yet He went to the Cross anyway. At the Cross, Jesus exchanged His righteousness for our sins. While we were in our sins, Christ died for us. He paid what we owed. The love that Jesus has for us goes beyond all human knowledge. 

“Have a Glorious Resurrection Sunday Friends!”