There is an important message in the above scripture. Within the sentencing of Jesus, the Lord God who was to become our Saviour had ordered in advance the course of events that would transpire. And He did this in order that we might understand and see the true character and state of men's hearts. In fact, Almighty God has orchestrated the minutes leading up to Jesus being crucified on a cross so that all the prophecies of the old covenant -- written and contained in the Old Testament -- that foretold of the coming of the Christ would be fulfilled.
Specifically, herein, the officers and band of men from the chief priests and Pharisees wanted Jesus dead so they brought Him to Pilate. These people knew that Pilate was a magistrate and as such, free to make final life and death decisions concerning those brought in front of him. The accusers were also aware that Pilate's power and authority, as constituted by law, is ultimately given by Almighty God.
But as Jesus plainly points out, Pilate really had no authority to crucify Jesus. No power to sentence Jesus to death. That is, unless the decision for Jesus to be crucified had already been decided in heaven. The plan of salvation already drawn by our heavenly Father in advance. As we learn from the scriptures, this was the case. God knew from the beginning that He would have to become flesh and shed His precious blood on a cross so that we could be saved. That He Himself would have to become our Saviour.
And thus, because of His kindness and love. God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7; II Corinthians 5:17) "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)
Jesus asked His disciples, "Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak not of Myself but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I AM in the Father and the Father in Me." (John 14:10-11)
The mystery of godliness? God was manifest in the flesh. He clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him - rejoicing always in God our Saviour.
The mystery of godliness? God was manifest in the flesh. He clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him - rejoicing always in God our Saviour.
"Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given Me are of Thee." (John 17:1-11)
The hour had come but not as the chief priests and Pharisees had supposed. Nevertheless, God knew -- because it was the same Lord God who created the world who later became our Saviour. This is why Jesus said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest Me to do." (John 17:4)
Indeed, Jesus could have called legions of angels to prevent His death. But He didn't. Why? Because He knew His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus said, "If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence."
Jesus continued, saying, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I unto the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice." (John 18:37)
In other words, Pilate may have thought that he had the power to crucify or release Jesus. But as Jesus answered to Pilate, "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above. Therefore, He that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin." It is no wonder Pilate sought to release Jesus. Pilate even said unto the Jews, "Behold your King!" And wrote on the cross, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS." (John 19:19)
But still the Jews said "Away with Him. Away with Him. Crucify Him."
However, through it all, Jesus knew that in His death, salvation and redemption for His precious beloved -- you and I -- would now be accomplished. The plan of salvation that had been decided before the foundation of the earth was formed was now fulfilled. Our Lord God and Creator -- our heavenly Father --who loved us from the beginning had now become our Saviour. "It is finished."
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Peace be unto you.
Stand in the offering plate.
Indeed, Jesus could have called legions of angels to prevent His death. But He didn't. Why? Because He knew His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus said, "If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is My kingdom not from hence."
Jesus continued, saying, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I unto the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth My voice." (John 18:37)
In other words, Pilate may have thought that he had the power to crucify or release Jesus. But as Jesus answered to Pilate, "Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above. Therefore, He that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin." It is no wonder Pilate sought to release Jesus. Pilate even said unto the Jews, "Behold your King!" And wrote on the cross, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS." (John 19:19)
But still the Jews said "Away with Him. Away with Him. Crucify Him."
However, through it all, Jesus knew that in His death, salvation and redemption for His precious beloved -- you and I -- would now be accomplished. The plan of salvation that had been decided before the foundation of the earth was formed was now fulfilled. Our Lord God and Creator -- our heavenly Father --who loved us from the beginning had now become our Saviour. "It is finished."
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) Peace be unto you.
Stand in the offering plate.
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