The Trial of jesus

Matthew 27:11-26

The hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townend has a stanza that puts a profound lens on our text for today. It says this:

“Behold the man upon a cross

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished”

Our sin is what compelled Jesus to go to the cross. It’s what held him there. We might as well have called out with the crowds and sentenced him to death. The same anger, pride, and violence that the people of the crowd hurled at Jesus is the same sin that lives in each of us today. While we shouldn’t read ourselves into this text, we can certainly identify with how the crowds treated Jesus. It’s heavy to think about.

Let’s look at another character we might be able to relate with.

While Jesus walked to pick up a cross, Barabbas walked free. Barabbas was a convicted criminal, but he received freedom the day that Jesus received his death sentence.

We, too, are guilty of evil. But our sentence was fulfilled the day that Jesus was sentenced to death. Like Barabbas, we don’t deserve to walk free. But we are so worth the sacrifice to Jesus. As the crowds jeered, Jesus stood there in silent love with your salvation and freedom in mind.

Take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ disposition towards both the crowd and Barabbas. Imagine him standing there as this trial goes down. He’s not acting in anger. He’s not abrasive. He stands there quietly, accepting that this death is going to be worth it because it will bring others life. As you reflect on Jesus’ disposition in this scene, meditate on and thank him for his love.