Galatians 2:20 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

There seems to be a great throng of professing Christians in our churches today whose total and amazing testimony sounds about like this: “I am thankful for God’s plan in sending Christ to the cross to save me from hell.”

I am convinced that it is a cheap, low-grade and misleading kind of Christianity that impels people to rise and state: “Because of sin I was deeply in debt—and God sent His Son, who came and paid all my debts.”

Of course believing Christian men and women are saved from the judgment of hell, and it is a reality that Christ our Redeemer has paid the whole slate of debt and sin that was against us.

But what does God say about His purpose in allowing Jesus to go to the cross and to the grave? What does God say about the meaning of death and resurrection for the Christian believer?

Surely we know the Bible well enough to be able to answer that: God’s highest purpose in the redemption of sinful humanity was based in His hope that we would allow Him to reproduce the likeness of Jesus Christ in our once-sinful lives!

This is the reason why we should be concerned with this text—this testimony of the Apostle Paul in which he shares his own personal theology with the Galatian Christians who had become known for their backsliding.

It is a beautiful miniature, shining forth as an unusual and sparkling gem, an entire commentary on the deeper Christian life and experience. We are not trying to take it out of its context by dealing with it alone. We are simply acknowledging the fact that the context is too broad to be dealt with in any one message.

This is a verse with such depth of meaning and spiritual potential for the Christian believer that we are obligated to seek its full meaning—so it can become practical and workable and livable in all of our lives in this present world.

It is plain in this text that Paul was forthright and frank in the matter of his own personal involvement in seeking and finding God’s highest desires and provision for Christian experience and victory. He was not bashful about the implications of his own personality becoming involved with the claims of Jesus Christ.

Not only does he plainly testify, “I have been crucified,” but within the immediate vicinity of these verses, he used the words I, myself and me a total of fourteen times….

Only Christianity recognizes why the person who is without God and without any spiritual perception gets in such deep trouble with his own ego.

Most of the world’s great souls have been lonely. Loneliness seems to be one price the saint must pay for his saintliness.

In the morning of the world (or should we say, in that strange darkness that came soon after the dawn of man’s creation) that pious soul, Enoch, walked with God and was not, for God took him; and while it is not stated in so many words, a fair inference is that Enoch walked a path quite apart from his contemporaries.

Another lonely man was Noah who, of all the antediluvians, found grace in the sight of God; and every shred of evidence points to the aloneness of his life even while surrounded by people.

Again, Abraham had Sarah and Lot, as well as many servants and herdsmen, but who can read his story and the apostolic comment upon it without sensing instantly that he was a man “whose soul was alike a star and dwelt apart”?

As far as we know, not one word did God ever speak to him in the company of men. Facedown he communed with his God, and the innate dignity of the man forbade that he assume this posture in the presence of others.

How sweet and solemn was the scene that night of the sacrifice when he saw the lamps of fire moving between the pieces of offering. There alone with a horror of great darkness upon him he heard the voice of God and knew that he was a man marked for divine favor.

Moses also was a man apart. While yet attached to the court of Pharaoh he took long walks alone, and during one of these walks while far removed from the crowds he saw an Egyptian and a Hebrew fighting and came to the rescue of his countryman.

After the resultant break with Egypt he dwelt in almost complete seclusion in the desert. There while he watched his sheep alone the wonder of the burning bush appeared to him, and later on the peak of Sinai he crouched alone to gaze in fascinated awe at the Presence, partly hidden, partly disclosed, within the cloud and fire.

The prophets of pre-Christian times differed widely from each other, but one mark they bore in common was their enforced loneliness.

They loved their people and gloried in the religion of the fathers, but their loyalty to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their zeal for the welfare of the nation of Israel drove them away from the crowd and into long periods of heaviness. “I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children” (Psalm 69:8), cried one and unwittingly spoke for all the rest.

Most revealing of all is the sight of that One of whom Moses and all the prophets did write, treading His lonely way to the cross, His deep loneliness unrelieved by the presence of the multitudes.

’Tis midnight, and on Olive’s brow The star is dimmed that lately shone.

‘Tis midnight; in the garden now The suffering Savior prays alone.

‘Tis midnight, and from all removed, The Savior wrestles lone with fears;

E’en that disciple whom He loved Heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.  —William B. Tappan

He died alone in the darkness, hidden from the sight of mortal man, and no one saw Him when He arose triumphant and walked out of the tomb, though many saw Him afterward and bore witness to what they saw.

There are some things too sacred for any eye but God’s to look upon. The curiosity, the clamor, the well-meant but blundering effort to help can only hinder the waiting soul and make unlikely, if not impossible, the communication of the secret message of God to the worshiping heart.

Sometimes we react by a kind of religious reflex and repeat dutifully the proper words and phrases even though they fail to express our real feelings and lack the authenticity of personal experience.

Right now is such a time. A certain conventional loyalty may lead some who hear this unfamiliar truth expressed for the first time to say brightly, “Oh, I am never lonely. God said, ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee’ (Joshua 1:5), and Christ said, ‘Lo, I am with you always’ (Matthew 28:20).

How can I be lonely when Jesus is with me?” I do not want to reflect on the sincerity of any Christian soul, but this stock testimony is too neat to be real.

It is obviously what the speaker thinks should be true rather than what he has proved to be true by the test of experience. This cheerful denial of loneliness proves only that the speaker has never walked with God without the support and encouragement afforded him by society.

The sense of companionship which he mistakenly attributes to the presence of Christ may and probably does arise from the presence of friendly people.

Always remember: You cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart. Society has turned against him; otherwise he would have no cross. No one is a friend to the man with a cross. “And they all forsook him, and fled” (Mark 14:50).

The pain of loneliness arises from the constitution of our nature. God made us for each other. The desire for human companionship is completely natural and right.

The loneliness of the Christian results from his walk with God in an ungodly world, a walk that must often take him away from the fellowship of good Christians as well as from that of the unregenerate world.

His God-given instincts cry out for companionship with others of his kind, others who can understand his longings, his aspirations, his absorption in the love of Christ; and because within his circle of friends there are so few who share his inner experiences he is forced to walk alone.

The unsatisfied longings of the prophets for human understanding caused them to cry out in their complaint, and even our Lord Himself suffered in the same way.

The man who has passed on into the divine presence in actual inner experience will not find many who understand him. A certain amount of social fellowship will of course be his as he mingles with religious persons in the regular activities of the church, but true spiritual fellowship will be hard to find.

But he should not expect things to be otherwise. After all, he is a stranger and a pilgrim, and the journey he takes is not on his feet but in his heart. He walks with God in the garden of his own soul—and who but God can walk there with him?

He is of another spirit from the multitudes that tread the courts of the Lord’s house. He has seen that of which they have only heard, and he walks among them somewhat as Zacharias walked after his return from the altar when the people whispered, “He has seen a vision” (see Luke 1:22).

The truly spiritual man is indeed something of an oddity.

• He lives not for himself but to promote the interests of Another.
• He seeks to persuade people to give all to his Lord and asks no portion or share for himself.
• He delights not to be honored but to see his Savior glorified in the eyes of men. His joy is to see his Lord promoted and himself neglected.
• He finds few who care to talk about that which is the supreme object of his interest, so he is often silent and preoccupied in the midst of noisy religious shoptalk. For this he earns the reputation of being dull and over serious, so he is avoided and the gulf between him and society widens.
• He searches for friends upon whose garments he can detect the smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia out of the ivory palaces (see Psalm 45:8), and finding few or none he, like Mary of old, keeps these things in his heart.

It is this very loneliness that throws him back upon God. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up” (Psalm 27:10).

His inability to find human companionship drives him to seek in God what he can find nowhere else. He learns in inner solitude what he could not have learned in the crowd—that Christ is All in all, that He is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, that in Him we have and possess life’s summum bonum.

Two things remain to be said. 1. The lonely man of whom we speak is not a haughty man, nor is he the holier-than-thou, austere saint so bitterly satirized in popular literature. He is likely to feel that he is the least of all men and is sure to blame himself for his very loneliness.

He wants to share his feelings with others and to open his heart to some like-minded soul who will understand him, but the spiritual climate around him does not encourage it, so he remains silent and tells his griefs to God alone.

2. The second thing is that the lonely saint is not the withdrawn man who hardens himself against human suffering and spends his days contemplating the heavens. Just the opposite is true.

His loneliness makes him sympathetic to the approach of the brokenhearted and the fallen and the sin-bruised. Because he is detached from the world he is all the more able to help it.

The weakness of so many modern Christians is that they feel too much at home in the world. In their effort to achieve restful “adjustment” to unregenerate society they have lost their pilgrim character and become an essential part of the very moral order against which they are sent to protest.

The world recognizes them and accepts them for what they are. And this is the saddest thing that can be said about them. They are not lonely, but neither are they saints.

23:11-12 Now Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Then they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.^NLT With this prisoner refusing to answer, and looking very little like a great miracle worker, Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Angry at Jesus’ refusal to even answer questions for him, Herod resorted to making a mockery of this man who was supposedly such a great prophet, teacher, and miracle worker.

To make fun of Jesus’ claim to be a king (probably Pilate had sent along this information when he sent Jesus to Herod), Herod put a royal robe on him, probably a purple color with fine workmanship. Herod did not even take the charge seriously. So he neither released the prisoner nor made a judgment about his guilt. He simply sent him back to Pilate.

Herod and Pilate had a rather tenuous relationship. Herod was the part-Jewish ruler of Galilee and Perea. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea and Samaria. Those four provinces, together with several others, had been united under Herod the Great. But when Herod the Great died in 4 b.c., the kingdom was divided among his sons, each of whom was called “tetrarch” (meaning “ruler of a fourth part of a region”). Archelaus, the son who had received Judea and Samaria, was removed from office within ten years, and his provinces were then ruled by a succession of Roman governors, of whom Pilate was the fifth.

Herod Antipas had two advantages over Pilate: he had come from a part-Jewish monarchy, and he had held his position much longer. But Pilate had two advantages over Herod: he was a Roman citizen and an envoy of the emperor, and his position was created to replace that of Herod’s ineffective half brother. It is not surprising that the two men were uneasy around each other. Jesus’ trial, however, brought them together. Because Pilate had recognized Herod’s authority over Galilee, Herod had stopped feeling threatened by the Roman politician. And because neither man knew what to do in this predicament, their common problem united them.

PILATE HANDS JESUS OVER TO BE CRUCIFIED / 23:13-25

According to the Roman custom of releasing a criminal during the Passover season, Pilate presented Jesus to the people. Pilate did not want to bear the responsibility of putting an innocent man to death. But the crowd insisted on Barabbas’s freedom, the release of a known murderer. That Jesus literally died in Barabbas’s place vividly illustrates the ultimate significance of Jesus’ death. He took the place of not only Barabbas but also all who stand condemned before God’s perfect standard and trust in Christ for salvation.

23:13-14 Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him.”^NRSV Pilate thought he had gotten rid of his problem, only to have Jesus sent back. The decision still rested on his shoulders. So he attempted to let this innocent man go by telling Jesus’ accusers that he had examined him and not found this man guilty of any of their charges—including subversion, refusal to pay taxes, causing riots, or perverting the people. He didn’t even find Jesus guilty of being the king he claimed to be. Pilate may have incorrectly thought that Jesus was just a poor, deluded man; he did know, however, that Jesus was innocent.

DO WHAT’S RIGHT

When the stakes are high, it is difficult to stand up for what is right, and it is easy to see opponents as problems to be solved rather than as people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus regardless of the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled.

People are like Pilate when they know what is right but decide not to do it. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

23:15 “Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty.”^NLT Pilate could back up his decision with Herod’s conclusion about Jesus. Herod had mocked Jesus but apparently had sent back word to Pilate that he could find nothing worthy of the death penalty. Jesus was tried a total of six times, by both Jewish and Roman authorities, but he was never convicted of a crime. Even when condemned to execution, he had been convicted of no felony. Today, no one can find fault in Jesus. Just like Pilate, Herod, and the religious leaders, however, many still refuse to acknowledge him as Lord.

23:16 “Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”^NIV The word “punish” here may not indicate the severe flogging that Jesus received after being sentenced, prior to his crucifixion (as noted in Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15), although John 19:1 reports Jesus being flogged and then brought before the crowd. Pilate may have hoped that the flogging would appease the crowd, and they would pity the man and let him go. Pilate was planning to release Jesus, but first he would punish him—to pacify the Jews and teach the prisoner a lesson to stay out of trouble in the future.

Riding The Fence

Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing deserving punishment, and certainly not the death penalty. Even so, he didn’t have the courage or the decency to release Jesus; he tried to find a middle position that would allow Jesus to live and still appease the chief priests and the Jewish rulers. He failed, and Pilate is known forever as the man who ordered the crucifixion of the Son of God.

Where do you stand? Have you made up your own mind about Jesus, whether to follow him as Lord and Messiah, or to dismiss him as a misguided martyr? There is no middle ground, no way to ride the fence when it comes to Jesus. You must either embrace him as Lord or reject him as a fraud.

23:17 (For it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).^NKJV This verse does not exist in most modern English versions because it does not appear in any of the earliest Greek manuscripts. It may have been added later, perhaps picked up from Mark 15:6 to make a smoother transition between what is recorded in verses 16 and 18. This information helps the reader understand why the Jews called for the release of a prisoner in 23:18. But the text without 23:17 reads just as well; Pilate’s statement about releasing Jesus (23:16) is followed (23:18) by an immediate plea from the crowd to release Barabbas instead.

Each year at Passover, Pilate had made it a custom to release any prisoner the people requested. He may have instituted this custom to be on good terms with them as well as to help cover his many wrongful acts toward them. In any case, it became expected. So, according to the people, it was necessary for him to release a prisoner to them at the feast.

23:18-19 With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)^NIV The suggestion that Pilate was going to release Jesus (23:16) sent the leaders into a frenzy. Pilate had wanted to release Jesus as the Passover gift (Mark 15:8-9). This had been a public announcement, so many people in the crowd cried out with one voice that Jesus must be put to death. The prisoner they wanted set free was a man named Barabbas. Oddly enough, Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection. Barabbas may have been somewhat of a hero among the Jews for his acts of rebellion against Rome, but he was on death row in a Roman prison. He was a true rebel and revolutionary and had even committed murder. The religious leaders had tried to pin this accusation on Jesus in order to have him put to death, but they chose a man who had done such acts and wanted him set free. Clearly their actions followed no logic. They merely wanted Jesus put to death and would go to any lengths to make sure it happened.

Who was Barabbas? Jewish men had names that identified them with their fathers. Simon Peter, for example, was called Simon, son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17). Barabbas is never identified by his given name, and this name, “Bar-abbas,” simply means “son of ‘Abba'” (or “son of daddy”). He could have been anybody’s son—and that makes for interesting commentary in that he represents all sinners. Barabbas, son of an unnamed father, committed a crime. Because Jesus died in his place, this man was set free. All people too, are sinners and criminals who have broken God’s holy law. Like Barabbas, they deserve to die. But Jesus has died in their place, for their sins, and, by faith, they have been set free.

 

23:20-21 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”^NIV Pilate really wanted to release Jesus. Matthew recorded that even Pilate’s wife had experienced a dream about Jesus and had urged Pilate to let Jesus go (Matthew 27:19). Pilate must have been in a tight spot, because for some reason he put himself in the position of bargaining with the crowd. He had the authority to let Jesus go and then get on with his day; instead, he appealed to them again but to no avail. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.

This was, in itself, an amazing request. Crucifixion was the Roman penalty for rebellion and abhorrent to the Jews. They thought that Jesus’ crucifixion would demonstrate that his life and message had been under God’s curse, for Deuteronomy 21:23 says, “Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (niv). This is just what the Jewish religious leaders wanted. If Jesus were to be executed, it would be by crucifixion. He would die the death of a rebel and slave, not the death of the king he claimed to be. The crucifixion, from the Jewish perspective, was meant to brand Jesus as cursed by God; the crucifixion, from the Christian perspective, pictures Jesus as taking God’s curse against sin upon himself and allowing his people to be set free from sin.

Taking a Stand

What are the non-negotiables in your life? What are those core principles and bedrock beliefs that you will not compromise or sell out no matter what? Consider this question before you are in a crisis whereby your principles and beliefs are put to the test. Pilate seems to have had no such convictions. He knew Jesus was innocent and undeserving of punishment, yet he yielded to pressure from his political enemies to sacrifice him. Like Pilate, most people are put in positions where they have to decide where they will stand. Unlike Pilate, Christians must decide to stand firm on the truth revealed to them by God. Where do you stand?

23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”^NIV Pilate tried for the third time. He could not fathom why the crowd so badly wanted this man’s death. Jesus had not committed any crime; there were no grounds for the death penalty. Pilate repeated what he had said in 23:16. He would have Jesus punished and then release him.

There are two reasons why Luke stressed these three attempts Pilate had made to release Jesus. First, Luke wanted to show through his Gospel the innocence of Jesus before Roman law. Luke was giving evidence to prove the acceptability of Christianity to his Gentile readers. Second, he was establishing the Jewish guilt for Jesus’ death. In Acts, this is the basis of the evangelistic sermons to the Jews—you killed him; he died for you and rose again; now repent and be converted (Acts 2:36-38; 3:13-16; 13:26-41).

23:23-24 But the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded.^NLT Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death . . . so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being with rights and dignity.

23:25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.^NIV Pilate did not want to give Jesus the death sentence. He thought the Jewish leaders were simply jealous men who wanted to get rid of a rival. When they threatened to report Pilate to Caesar (John 19:12), however, Pilate became frightened. Historical records indicate that Pilate had already been warned by Roman authorities about tensions in this region. The last thing he needed was a riot in Jerusalem at Passover time when the city was crowded with Jews from all over the Empire. So Pilate released Barabbas, the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, and then surrendered Jesus to their will. One must wonder if Pilate ever questioned himself later—why he had allowed a mob to convince him to set a murderer free and execute an innocent man. Clearly Pilate was a man of little conviction and even less courage. But don’t forget the responsibility of these Jewish leaders who demanded that Jesus die—Matthew recorded that they accepted the responsibility, stating that Jesus’ blood could remain on them and on their children (Matthew 27:25).

Matthew’s Gospel explains that Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize his innocence in condemning Jesus (Matthew 27:24), but this act was no more than self-deception. Jesus may have been surrendered to the will of the mob, but this was still a purely Roman execution. Pilate had to command it in order for it to happen. After releasing Barabbas, Pilate did allow Jesus to be flogged (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15) as part of the Roman legal code that demanded flogging before a capital sentence was carried out. The Romans did it to weaken the prisoner so that he would die more quickly on the cross. Jesus had predicted that he would be flogged (18:32).

Almost. It’s a sad word in any man’s dictionary.

“Almost.” It runs herd with “nearly,” “next time,” “if only,” and “just about.”

It’s a word that smacks of missed opportunities, aborted efforts, and fumbled chances. It’s honorable mention, right field, on the bench, runner-up, and burnt cookies.

Almost. The one that got away. The sale that nearly closed. The gamble that almost paid off. Almost.

How many people do you know whose claim to fame is an almost?

“Did I ever tell you about the time I almost was selected as the Employee of the Year?”

“They say he almost made the big leagues.”

“I caught a catfish that was taller than me! Well … almost.”

As long as there have been people, there have been almosts. People who almost won the battle, who almost climbed the mountain, who almost found the treasure.

One of the most famous “almost’s” is found in the Bible. Pilate. Yet, what he missed was far more significant than a catfish or an award.

He almost performed what would have been history’s greatest act of mercy. He almost pardoned the Prince of Peace. He almost released the Son of God. He almost opted to acquit the Christ. Almost.

He had the power. He had the choice. He wore the signet ring. The option to free God’s Son was …. . and he did ….. almost. (Of course, in this case, God’s plan would have been twarted…but Pilate was still judged by whether he did the right thing or not).

Almost. How many times do these six ugly letters find their way into despairing epitaphs?

“He almost got it together.” “She almost chose not to leave him.” “They almost tried one more time.” “We almost worked it out. ‘He almost became a Christian.”

What is it that makes almost such a potent word? Why is there such a wide gap between “he almost” and “he did”?

In the case of Pilate, we don’t have to look far to find an answer. It is Dr. Luke’s acute commentary in chapter 23 that provides the reason. Luke 23:22 (ESV) A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.”

You’re right, Luke. Their voices prevailed. And, as a result, Pilate’s pride prevailed. Pilate’s fear prevailed. Pilate’s power-hunger prevailed.

“Their” voices were not the only voices, you know. There were at least three others Pilate could have heard.

He could have heard the voice of Jesus. Pilate stood eye to eye with him. Five times he postponed the decision hoping to gratify the mob with policies or lashings. Yet Jesus was always sent back to him.

Three times he stood eye to eye with this compelling Nazarene who had come to reveal the truth. “what is truth?” Pilate asked rhetorically (or was it honestly?). Jesus’ silence was much louder than the crowd’s demands. But Pilate didn’t listen.

He could have heard the voice of his wife. She pleaded with him to have nothing to do with that righ­teous man for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.”

One has to pause and wonder about the origin of such a dream that would cause a lady of purple to call a small-town Galilean righteous. But Pilate didn’t.

Or he could have heard his own voice. Surely he could see through the facade. “Ananias, Caiaphas, cut the phoney allegiance; I know where your interests are.”

Surely his conscience was speaking to him. “There is nothing wrong with this man. A bit mysterious maybe, but that’s no reason to string him up.”

He could have heard other voices. But he didn’t. He almost did. But he didn’t. Satan’s voices prevailed.

His voice often does prevail. Have you heard his wooings?

“One time won’t hurt.”

“She’ll never know.”

“Other people do much worse things.”

“At least you’re not being hypocritical.”

His rhetoric of rationalization never ends. The father of lies croons and woos like a traveling peddler, promising the moon and delivering disaster.

“Step right up. Taste my brew of pleasure and sing my song of sensuality. After all, who knows about tomorrow?”

God, meanwhile, never enters a shouting match with Satan. Truth need not scream. He stands perma­nently, quietly pleading, ever present. No tricks, no side shows, no temptations, just open proof.

People’s reactions vary. Some flow immediately to the peddler of poison. Others turn quickly to the Prince of Peace. Most of us, however, are caught somewhere in between, lingering on the edge of Satan’s crowd yet hover­ing within earshot of the message of God.

Pilate learned the hard way that this stance of “almost” is suicidal. The other voices will win. Their lure is too strong. Their call too compelling.

And Pilate also learned that there is no darker hell than the one of remorse. Washing your hands a thousand times won’t free you from the guilt of an opportunity ignored. It’s one thing to forgive yourself for something you did. It is something else to try to forgive yourself for something that you might have done, but didn’t.

Jesus knew that all along.

For our own good, he demanded and demands absolute obedience. He never has had room for “almost” in his vocabulary. You are either with him or against him.

With Jesus “nearly” has to become “certainly.” “Sometimes” has to become ‘(always.” “1f only” has to become “regardless.” And “next time” has to become   time.”

No, Jesus never had room for “almost” and he still doesn’t. “Almost” may count in horseshoes and hand grenades, but with the Master, it is just as good as a “never.”

 

“Where is God?” inquired the mind: “To His presence I am blind. . . .I have scanned each star and sun, Traced the certain course they run; I have weighed them in my scale, And can tell when each will fail; From the caverns of the night I have brought new worlds to light; I have measured earth and sky Read each zone with steady eye; But no sight of God appears In the glory of the spheres.” But the heart spoke wistfully, “Have you looked at Calvary?”  – Thomas C. Clark

If we would know the power of truth we must emphasize it. Creedal truth is coal lying inert in the depths of the earth waiting release. Dig it out, shovel it into the combustion chamber of some huge engine, and the mighty energy that lay asleep for centuries will create light and heat and cause the machinery of a great factory to surge into productive action.

The theory of coal never turned a wheel nor warmed a hearth. Power must be released to be made effective.

In the redemptive work of Christ three major epochs may be noted: His birth, His death and His subsequent elevation to the right hand of God.

These are the three main pillars that uphold the temple of Christianity; upon them rest all the hopes of mankind, world without end. All else that He did takes its meaning from these three Godlike deeds.

It is imperative that we believe all these truths, but the big question is where to lay the emphasis. Which truth should, at a given time, receive the sharpest accent? We are exhorted to look unto Jesus, but where shall we look? Unto Jesus in the manger? on the cross? at the throne? These questions are far from academic. It is of great practical importance to us that we get the right answer.

Of course we must include in our total creed the manger, the cross and the throne. All that is symbolized by these three objects must be present to the gaze of faith; all is necessary to a proper understanding of the Christian evangel.

No single tenet of our creed must be abandoned or even relaxed, for each is joined to the other by a living bond. But while all truth is to be at all times to be held inviolate, not every truth is to be at all times emphasized equally with every other. Our Lord indicated as much when He spoke of the faithful and wise steward who gave to his master’s household “their portion of meat in due season” (Luke 12:42).

Mary brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. Wise men came to worship, shepherds wondered and angels chanted of peace and good will towards men.

All taken together this scene is so chastely beautiful, so winsome, so tender, that the like of it is not found anywhere in the literature of the world. It is not hard to see why Christians have tended to place such emphasis upon the manger, the meek-eyed virgin and the Christ child. In certain Christian circles the major emphasis is made to fall upon the child in the manger. Why this is so is understandable, but the emphasis is nevertheless misplaced.

Christ was born that He might become a man and became a man that He might give His life as ransom for many. Neither the birth nor the dying were ends in themselves. As He was born to die, so did He die that He might atone, and rise that He might justify freely all who take refuge in Him. His birth and His death are history. His appearance at the mercy seat is not history past, but a present, continuing fact, to the instructed Christian the most glorious fact his trusting heart can entertain.

Let us remember that weakness lies at the manger, death at the cross and power at the throne. Our Christ is not in a manger. Indeed, New Testament theology nowhere presents the Christ child as an object of saving faith. The gospel that stops at the manger is another gospel and no good news at all. The Church that still gathers around the manger can only be weak and misty-eyed, mistaking sentimentality for the power of the Holy Spirit.

As there is now no babe in the manger at Bethlehem so there is no man on the cross at Jerusalem. To worship the babe in the manger or the man on the cross is to reverse the redemptive processes of God and turn the clock back on His eternal purposes. Let the Church place its major emphasis upon the cross and there can be only pessimism, gloom and fruitless remorse. Let a sick man die hugging a crucifix and what have we there? Two dead men in a bed, neither of which can help the other.

The glory of the Christian faith is that the Christ who died for our sins rose again for our justification. We should joyfully remember His birth and gratefully muse on His dying, but the crown of all our hopes is with Him at the Father’s right hand.

Paul gloried in the cross and refused to preach anything except Christ and Him crucified, but to him the cross stood for the whole redemptive work of Christ. In his epistles Paul writes of the Incarnation and the Crucifixion, yet he stops not at the manger or the cross but constantly sweeps our thoughts on to the Resurrection and upward to the ascension and the throne.

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18), said our risen Lord before He went up on high, and the first Christians believed Him and went forth to share His triumph. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

Should the Church shift her emphasis from the weakness of the manger and the death of the cross to the life and power of the enthroned Christ, perhaps she might recapture her lost glory. It is worth a try.

The Cross Jesus Had in Mind

When Jesus said, “If you are going to follow me, you have to take up a cross,” it was the same as saying, “Come and bring your electric chair with you. Take up the gas chamber and follow me.”

He did not have a beautiful gold cross in mind—the cross on a church steeple or on the front of your Bible. Jesus had in mind a place of execution.

The New Cross

“From this new cross has sprung a new philosophy of the Christian life; and from that new philosophy has come a new evangelical technique—a new type of meeting and new type of preaching. This new evangelism employs the same language as of the old, but its content is not the same, and the emphasis not as before.

“The new cross encourages a new and entirely different evangelistic approach. The evangelist does not demand abnegation of the old life before a new life can be received. He preaches not contrasts but similarities. He seeks to key into the public view the same thing the world does, only a higher level. Whatever the sin-mad world happens to be clamoring after at the moment is cleverly shown to be the very thing the gospel offers, only the religious product is better.

“The new cross does not slay the sinner; it re-directs him. It gears him to a cleaner and jollier way of living, and saves his self-respect…The Christian message is slanted in the direction of the current vogue in order to make it acceptable to the public.

“The philosophy back of this kind of thing may be sincere, but its sincerity does not save it from being false. It is false because it is blind. It misses completely the whole meaning of the cross.

The old cross is a symbol of DEATH. It stands for the abrupt, violent end of a human being. The man in Roman times who took the cross and started down the road has already said goodbye to his friends. He was not coming back. He was not going out to have his life re-directed; he was going out to have it ended. The cross made no compromise; modified nothing; spared nothing. It slew all of the man completely, and for good. It did not try to keep on good terms with the victim. It struck cruel and hard, and when it had finished its work, the man was no more.

“The race of Adam is under the death sentence. There is no commutation and no escape. God cannot approve any fruits of sin, however innocent they may appear, or beautiful to the eyes of men. God salvages the individual by liquidating him, and then raising him again to newness of life.

“That evangelism which draws friendly parallels between the ways of God and the ways of men is false to the Bible and cruel to the souls of its hearers.

The faith of Christ does not parallel the world; it intersects it. In coming to Christ we do not bring our old life to a higher plane; we leave it at the cross….

“We, who preach the gospel, must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, or the world of sports, or modern entertainment.

“We are not diplomats, but prophets; and our message is not a compromise, but an ultimatum.”

Chapter 12 contains clues regarding the situation of the believers to whom this letter was written. They have been encouraged not to drift away (2:1), but in this chapter we perceive a community weary of persecution, struggling to stay strong in an increasingly hostile environment, but weakening perhaps to the point of giving up and turning away from their faith.

All that has been addressed so far comes to focus as these weary believers are encouraged to look not around them but at Jesus, their ultimate example of faithfulness and endurance in the face of hatred and humiliation. Not only is Jesus Christ superior to all that the Jews had previously known, but he also had suffered just as they were presently suffering—in fact, Jesus had suffered even more deeply. Yet Christ is now enthroned in the heavens, and the believers can trust that this will be their future as well.

Believers were also encouraged to look upon their suffering as though it were the discipline of a loving Father, not for wrong actions but for helping them to mature spiritually. God alone can take unbelievers’ hostility and turn it into an avenue of blessing and growth for his children. It would be important for believers to carry that perspective into the coming days.

12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.^NKJV After hearing the roll call of faithful believers throughout the centuries, illustrating true faith (chapter 11), the readers are challenged to also persevere in their faith. These faithful people from the past now stand as so great a cloud of witnesses. Hebrews uses the athletic imagery of a Greek amphitheater that has rows and rows of spectators, a “great cloud” or a large group.

They do not “witness” as if they were merely spectators, looking down from heaven and watching believers’ lives; instead, they witness through the historical record of their faithfulness that constantly encourages those who follow them. We do not struggle alone, and we are not the first to struggle with problems, persecution, discouragement, even failure. Others have “run the race” and crossed the finish line, and their witness stirs us to run and win also.

What an inspiring heritage we have! These great believers’ lives, examples, and faithfulness in God, without seeing his promises, speak to all believers of the rewards of staying in “the race.” This metaphor of a footrace run “with endurance” describes a marathon, a test of stamina and commitment. This provided an apt description of the lives of these suffering believers.

Three aspects to this “race” are set before all believers:

Preparation. The first step of preparation to run the race requires that each racer lay aside every weight. This had two meanings for the racers of the ancient world: the clothes that hold back (races often were run naked) or the fat or superfluous weight that would keep an athlete from running efficiently. Christians must be “spiritually trim” and able to run the race unencumbered (see 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 2:3-4). Many “weights” may not be necessarily sinful acts, but could be things that hold us back, such as use of time, some forms of entertainment, or certain relationships.

The second step of preparation requires believers to avoid the sin which so easily ensnares. Classical Greek runners would race nude so that a garment would not impede or slow them down. Spiritually speaking, Christians should put away any sin that might entangle, impede, or trip them up. Sins such as greed, pride, arrogance, lust, gossip, dishonesty, and stealing can cause believers to drift off spiritual course.

Participation. After Christians prepare, they must participate in the race—they must run. Hebrews gives examples of what it means to “run”: having faith, visiting prisoners, entertaining strangers, believing God, trusting God, worshiping God, knowing Christ, having courage, praying, encouraging others, and confessing sin. These can be summarized as loving God and loving others.

Perseverance. The race that we run is not our own. We did not select the course; it is God who marks it out before us. We should be running for Christ, not ourselves, and we must always keep him in sight. The “race that is set before us” refers to the trials Christians will experience as outlined in 12:4-11.

Finally, Christians persevere, running with endurance the race that is set before [them]. The writer has often referred to having endurance, being diligent, and persevering (see 2:1; 4:11; 6:11; 10:34, 36; 11:27; 12:7; 13:14). The Christian life involves opposition and suffering, requiring believers to give up whatever endangers their relationship with God, to run patiently, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. To live effectively, believers must keep their eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at the circumstances surrounding us.

Running a race requires preparation, participation, and perseverance. Christians prepare to run the race through daily training. We pray, read the word of God, and examine our life for habits that would impede us in the race. We participate in worship, and we persevere by maintaining a Christlike and God-honoring attitude even when the trials are strong and we feel weak.

12:2 Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.^NRSV Jesus, our example, perfectly finished his race. Because he stands at the finish line, Christians should fix [their] eyes on Jesus, looking away from other distractions or options (see also 3:1). This is the same focused attention Moses had, as recorded in 11:26, “He was looking ahead to his reward” (niv). Jesus is the ultimate “hero of faith” as carried over from the list of heroes in chapter 11.

The name “Jesus” focuses on Jesus’ humanity; in the flesh, he faced suffering and thus is able to help us. Each member of the “great cloud of witnesses” can be inspiring, but Jesus provides the ultimate example. Jesus is described in two ways:

Pioneer. The Greek word is archegon; it means pioneer, pathfinder, or leader. Perhaps “champion” conveys the best meaning. Jesus is our hero, the first who obeyed God perfectly and thus began the new covenant (see also 2:10). He set the course of faith, ran the race first (6:20), and now waits for us to join him at the end, encouraging us all the way.

Perfecter of our faith. “Perfecter” is teleioten in Greek, meaning finisher, the one who brings us to our intended goal. Jesus is our perfecter, both because he was made the perfect High Priest through suffering and obedience (see 2:10, 5:8) and because he perfects us as we draw closer to him.

After explaining some of Jesus’ credentials and reasons for keeping our eyes him, Hebrews tells how Jesus must be the believers’ example in facing trials. He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Crucifixion was a horrible and shameful way to die. Jesus endured this disgraceful and degrading death; even more, he “disregarded” the shame it represented, despising and scorning it. The human shame amounted to nothing compared to the shame that Jesus felt when he took on the sins of the world. So great were the sins that even the Father had to turn his face away from his Son.

Yet Jesus endured all this suffering on account of the joy that was set before him. He kept his eyes focused on the goal of his appointed course, the accomplishment of his priestly work, and his seat at the right hand of God. Knowing that a great reward was coming for God’s people gave Jesus great joy. He did not look at his earthly discomforts, but he kept his eyes on the spiritual, invisible realities.

When the suffering was complete and Jesus had finished the race appointed for him, he took his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Again Hebrews returns to the focus of Psalm 110 (see commentary on 1:13; 8:1). Christ “sat down” because when he offered up his life, he completed his work. He no longer needs to provide sacrifices or pave a way to God. Just as Christ, our forerunner, received great reward for finishing the race before him and now sits enthroned by God, exalted to a place of highest honor, Christians will also share his reward when they finish the race set before them (see Luke 22:28-30). So, like Christ, we should persevere in times of suffering, looking to Christ as our model and concentrating on our heavenly destination.

12:3 Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don’t become weary and give up.^NLT Christ endured great suffering to finish his race. As a result, he can be an inspiring example for believers who face suffering and persecution. When these believers were tempted to focus on their trials, even to the point of considering renouncing their faith, Hebrews encouraged them to think about all [Jesus] endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him. Christ was ridiculed, whipped, beaten, spit upon, and crucified. Even so, he did not give in to fatigue, discouragement, or despair.

By focusing on Christ and what he did on our behalf, we won’t become weary and give up. Trials can cause us to become discouraged and even to despair. During these difficult times, we can remember how Christ endured, and that endurance can inspire us.

Throughout the history of the church, meditation on the suffering of Christ has helped countless martyrs, prisoners, and those being persecuted. Christ’s suffering surpassed any suffering we humans might face.

We can also remember the great cloud of witnesses who demonstrated faith (chapter 11), and they can inspire us.

Facing hardship and discouragement, we must not lose sight of the big picture.

We are not alone; Jesus stands with us. Many have endured far more difficult circumstances than we have experienced.

Suffering trains us for Christian maturity, developing our patience and making our final victory sweet.

A closer look at the seven women who stood by at the cross

Matthew 27:55-56 Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Jn 19:25-27 ²⁵Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, Dear woman, here is your son, ²⁷and to the disciple, Here is your mother. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

“For in Christ you are all sons of God, through faith.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave or free, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28).

Until Jesus came on the scene, women were treated as inferior beings.

* In the Mediterranean region and the near East, women were viewed as inferior beings because of the Patriarchal society.

*  In the Greek society women were held as inferior to men and destined only for childbearing.

*  In the Roman society a wife was the property of her husband.

*  In the Jewish societies, women were only sexual beings, servants of their husbands, with limited religious roles.  They were not required to make the annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts. They didn’t go to school where the Torah was taught. They were not allowed to read or recite scriptures.

After Jesus began his ministry, his treatment and acceptance of women caused problems with the Jewish leaders, his apostles, and others who had allowed women to become stereotyped as lower class beings.  The women Jesus met were astonished at his attitude and acceptance of them [Examples: the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:7-26); the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11)].  Jesus was the original women’s liberator of his day.

It is no wonder then that women became devoted to Jesus and his teachings.  It offered them freedom they never had before.  Several women became disciples of Jesus and supported him in his ministry – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and many other unnamed women (Luke 8:2). These women, along with others mentioned in other scriptures – Salome, Mary of Bethany, and Mary the wife of Clopas, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, followed Jesus throughout his ministry to his crucifixion on the cross.

These women not only supported Jesus with their means, but they also stood by Jesus and accompanied him throughout his arrest and trial (Luke 23:39-43) and the crucifixion (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).

What caused these women to be so dedicated to Jesus and his ministry? The answer, in part, is that they had benefited so greatly from Jesus (some had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities by Jesus) and his teachings (like that of Galatians 3:26-28) that they couldn’t help but want to show their gratitude and love by using their time, talents, and treasury in the support of Jesus’ ministry.

These women could do very little. They couldn’t speak before the Sanhedrin in Jesus’ defense; they couldn’t appeal to Pilate; they couldn’t stand against the crowds; they couldn’t overpower the Roman guards.

But they did what they could. They stayed at the cross when the disciples had not even come; they followed Jesus’ body to the tomb; they prepared spices for his body. Because these women used the opportunities they had, they were the first to witness the resurrection.

God blessed their devotion, initiative, and diligence. As believers, we should take advantage of the opportunities we have and do what we can for Christ.

The phrase ‘Afar off” indicates that some did stand far off, but some stood at the very foot of the cross (John 19:25). Their love ran deep and their devotion and courage clear. They triumphed over fear. They did not fear the enemies of Christ: they triumphed simply because they loved (1 John 4:18).

Some of these people followed Jesus for the wrong reasons.  Some wanted only physical nourishment and were rebuked by Jesus (John 6:22-26).  Others, when they realized what was necessary to follow Jesus, no longer went about with him (John 6:66).  At times even his own apostles denied knowing him (Matthew 26:69-75), fled from his presence (Matthew 26:56) and followed from afar (Matthew 26:58).

However, there was one group who stuck with Jesus throughout his ministry, from beginning to end.  These were the women, we’ll call them “female finalists,” who had totally committed themselves to Jesus and his ministry.  Through thick and thin, good times and bad, these women were always there, ready to assist and help Jesus in any way that they could.  These women deserve a closer look from us today.

Who were these women who stuck with Jesus through thick and thin?  What were their backgrounds, their names, their reason for such devotion to Jesus’ ministry? What is their backgrounds, their names, their reason for such devotion to Jesus’ ministry?  To answer these questions, we must go to the gospel accounts.

Seven women are mentioned in scripture by name as being followers and/or active supporters of Jesus and his ministry:

1. Mary Magdalene:

This Mary was distinguished from other Marys by her second name. It signified the place of her birth.  Just as Jesus was sometimes called the Nazarene because of the town Nazareth, Mary was called Magdalene because of the town Magdala.  Magdala means “tower or castle” and in the time of Christ was a thriving₁ populous town on the coast of Galilee, about three miles from Capernaum.

Dye works and primitive textile factories contributed to the wealth of the community.  It may be that Mary Magdalene’s source of funds from which she supported Jesus’ ministry was somehow derived from these town industries.

Mary Magdalene was one of the women that Jesus healed of evil spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:2).  She was said to have had seven demons cast out from her by Jesus (Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2).  She supported the ministry of Jesus from out of her means (Luke 8:2). She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, standing afar off with several other women (Matthew 27:56: Mark 15:40; John 19:25).

She was also present at the tomb of Jesus when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus rolled the stone to the door of Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 27:61; Mark 16:47; John 19:38-42).  She went to the tomb of Jesus after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, and witnessed the great earthquake and the angel rolling the stone away from the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 20:1).  Jesus appeared to her as she stood weeping outside the tomb (John 20:11-17).

2. Joanna

Joanna’s husband was Chuzas, the house-steward of Herod.  As a steward, Chuzas was responsible for the management of Ilerod’s monetary expenditures, a position which would require both intelligence and ability.  This position of importance in all probability afforded both Chuzas and his wife Joanna an excellent income, from which Joanna may have supported the ministry of Jesus.

This Joanna was the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward (Luke 8:3). She was one of the women that Jesus healed of evil spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:2).  She supported the ministry of Jesus from out of her means (Luke 8:2).  She went to the tomb of Jesus after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, and witnessed the great earthquake and the angel rolling the stone away from the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).

3. Salome

Salome was possibly one of Jesus’ earliest female disciples, having ministered to him when he was in Galilee.

This Salome was the wife of Zebedee, the mother of the two apostles James and John, and the sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus (John 19:25).  She ministered to Jesus when he was in Galilee (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 15:40-41).  She sought seats of honor for her sons from Jesus (Matthew 20:20-24; Mark 10:35-40).  She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, standing afar off with several other women (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).

She went to the tomb of Jesus after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, and witnessed the great earthquake and the angel rolling the stone away from the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).

4. Mary of Bethany

This Mary was the Mary that annointed the head of Jesus with an alabaster jar of expensive ointment (pure nard) and wiped his feet with her hair (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8).  Mary sat at the feet of Jesus when he visited in the house of her sister, Martha (Luke 10:38-42).  Mary also had a brother named Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:5-44).  Mary, Martha and Lazarus were among those whom Jesus loved (John 11:5).

5. Susanna

This Susanna was one of the women that Jesus healed of evil spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:2). She supported the ministry of Jesus from out of her means (Luke 8:2).

6. Mary, “the other Mary” Scripture References:

This Mary was the wife of Clopas and the mother of the apostle James the younger and Joses (Joseph).

She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, standing afar off with several other women (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).  She was also present at the tomb of Jesus when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus rolled the stone to the door of Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 27:61; Mark 16:47; John 19:38-42).  She went to the tomb of Jesus after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, and witnessed the great earthquake and the angel rolling the stone away from the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-2; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).

7. Mary, the mother of Jesus Scripture References:

Mary was the earthly mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:18,25).  Mary’s husband was Joseph (Matthew 1:18), a carpenter by trade (Mark 6:3).  An angel appears to her and tells her she will conceive (Luke 1:26-38).  Mary visits Elizabeth for three months (Luke 1:39-56).  Mary travels with Joseph to Bethlehem; gives birth while there (Luke 2:1-7).  Mary travels with Joseph to Jerusalem with Jesus, who is now 12 years old (Luke 2:41-42).  She asks Jesus to help at a marriage feast when wine runs out (John 2:1-11).

She went with her sons to the temple to see Jesus but crowds prevented them (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21).  She was also the mother of four other sons – James, Joses, Judas and Simon – and at least two daughters (Matthew 13:55-56; Mark 6:3).  She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, standing afar off with several other women (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).  Her future care was entrusted to the apostle John by Jesus as he hung on the cross (John 19:26-27).  She was present with the 11 apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:14).

Additional comments

(Matthew 27:55-56) Women: the courage and love of the women. Note the following phrases.

“Many women”: many were there. When the men fled, many women demonstrated courage.

“Afar off”: some did stand far off, but some stood at the very foot of the cross (John 19:25). Their love ran deep and their devotion and courage clear. They triumphed over fear. They did not fear the enemies of Christ: they triumphed simply because they loved (1 John 4:18).

27:55-56 Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.^NRSV There had been many people at the cross who had come only to mock and taunt Jesus or, like the religious leaders, to revel in their apparent victory. Some of Jesus’ faithful followers were at the cross as well. Among the disciples, only John was there, and he recorded in his Gospel in graphic detail the horror he observed. Many women were also there, looking on from a distance, perhaps out of custom or out of respect for the victims.

Some of these women had come from Galilee with Jesus for the Passover. Mary Magdalene was from Magdala, a town near Capernaum in Galilee. She had been released from demon possession by Jesus (Luke 8:2). Another Mary is distinguished (from Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus’ mother) by the names of her sons who may have been well known in the early church. The mother of the sons of Zebedee was the mother of the disciples James and John. Her name was Salome (20:20-21), and she was probably the sister of Jesus’ mother. These women had been faithful to Jesus’ ministry, following him and providing for his material needs (see Luke 8:1-3). John wrote that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was present and that, from the cross, Jesus spoke to John about taking care of Mary (John 19:25-27).

These women could do very little. They couldn’t speak before the Sanhedrin in Jesus’ defense; they couldn’t appeal to Pilate; they couldn’t stand against the crowds; they couldn’t overpower the Roman guards. But they did what they could. They stayed at the cross when the disciples had not even come; they followed Jesus’ body to the tomb; they prepared spices for his body. Because these women used the opportunities they had, they were the first to witness the Resurrection. God blessed their devotion, initiative, and diligence. As believers, we should take advantage of the opportunities we have and do what we can for Christ.

Jn 19:25-27 ²⁵Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, Dear woman, here is your son, ²⁷and to the disciple, Here is your mother. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

There is a glaring absence of Jesus’ men at the cross. To our knowledge, John was the only one who showed up. He stands in the midst of a group of women. John mentions four of them while Mark and Matthew mention only three. Of course Mark and Matthew list the women who were there when Jesus died and John lists the women present when Jesus was first crucified. It may be that John and Mary leave right after Jesus speaks to them.

In Jesus’ third recorded statement from the cross, he commits his mother into the care of John, his beloved friend. This makes sense when you understand that Jesus’ “family” consists of faithful believers and Jesus’ half-brothers don’t fit that category until after his resurrection. Furthermore, John is likely Jesus’ cousin (see chart below). Therefore, he is the closest believing relative. John takes her home and gently cares for this dear saint who had a “sword wound” in her soul (Lk 2:35).

John 19:25	Mark 15:40	Matthew 27:56
Mary, Jesus’ mother
Mary’s sister	Salome	Mother of Zebedee’s sons (i.e., James and John)
Mary, wife of Clopas	Mary, mother of James the younger & Joses	Mary, mother of James and Joses
Mary Magdalene	Mary Magdalene	Mary Magdalene

Section 168 – Women Watch the Tomb, Soldiers Guard It (Mt 27:61-66; Mk 15:47; Lk 23:55-56)

^{[MT 27:]61}Mary Magdalene and the other Mary {the mother of Joses^MK} were sitting there opposite the tomb {[and] saw where he was laid.^MK)

^{[LK 23:]55}[These] women, who had come with Jesus from Galilee, followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. ⁵⁶Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

The women want to pay their respects to Jesus but they keep their distance from these two prominent members of the Sanhedrin. How could they know these two are sympathetic to Jesus? They also stand aloof due to the social stigma of men and women interacting. In addition, Carson states that Roman law forbade mourning executed criminals (p. 584). These two Marys want, in the worst way, to show their love for Jesus, but are simply not able to at this time. So they do the next best thing. They find out where Jesus is laid and plan to return at the first available opportunity. That will be at the crack of dawn on Sunday. For now, they must run back to town before sundown to prepare the necessary spices for anointing the dead.

Mt 27:62-66 ⁶²The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ Sir, they said, we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, After three days I will rise again. ⁶⁴So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.

⁶⁵Take a guard, Pilate answered. Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how. ⁶⁶So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Pilate thinks that he is through with Jesus at 9 a.m. on Friday. But about 3 p.m. the Jews come and ask that he order Jesus’ legs broken. Shortly after that Joseph arrives and asks for the body of Jesus. Now, Saturday morning a third delegation arrives asking Pilate to provide a guard for the tomb.

It’s not that the chief priests believe Jesus could raise from the dead. They are merely afraid that his disciples will try to propagate a hoax by stealing Jesus’ body and claiming a resurrection in fulfillment of Jesus’ “supposed” prophecy. Now it should not surprise us that the chief priests were more perceptive than the disciples in interpreting Jesus’ words. They were pretty good at hermeneutics, just miserably poor at faith.

They ask Pilate for a Roman guard for three days. Pilate’s response is somewhat ambiguous: “You have a guard” [echete koustōdian]. Does he mean, “You got it. Take what you need” (as the NIV implies)? Or does he mean, “You have your own temple guards, use them!”? While both are possible, it seems that Pilate actually gives the Jews a Roman guard. First, he wants to avoid any potential conflicts which could flair into civil disorder. Second, after the resurrection, these guards are worried about the report getting back to Pilate (Mt 28:14). Temple guards wouldn’t be concerned about that. The Roman guards, on the other hand, might very well report first to the Sanhedrin rather than to Pilate since it was the Sanhedrin’s corpse that they “lost” (Mt 28:11). Third, Pilate puts his seal on the stone in front of the tomb. This is nothing more than a bit of clay or wax impressed with a signet ring, which holds a cord in front of the tomb. By moving the stone you would break the seal of clay/wax. It is not hard to do, but by doing so you violate the authority of the one whose seal is on the clay/wax. In other words, with Pilate’s seal on the stone, they would be trespassing against the authority of Rome — a violation of no small consequence. Thus, this little seal would dissuade would-be thieves. God, however, is not intimidated by it in the least.

Conclusion of Lesson

Love is like that.  When you love Jesus and his church, you don’t hesitate to give yourself totally to see the kingdom grow.  Your time becomes God’s time; your talents become God’s talents; your money and material possessions become God’s money and possessions.  You want to take a stand for his kingdom.  Jesus becomes the center of your life, number one in your heart.  The “female finalists” of this study knew that they had found the pearl of great price.  Their actions, their deeds, everything they said and did, proclaimed that they were followers of Jesus.  They were like the seed grown in the good soil in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18-23).  They stuck with Jesus through thick and thin.

As you look at your own life today, can you say that others see Jesus reflected in your life?  Does your light shine brightly for Jesus and his church or is it hid under a basket?  Does your checkbook prove that Jesus is first in your life?  If you punched a time clock for the Lord, how long would it show you that you actually put in for the work of the kingdom? Can you really say that Jesus is the lord of your heart?  Why not put him first right now and forever more.  Look what God has done for you – what are you doing for him?

A closer look at the apostle who was never at the cross

61 Because Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining about this, he said to them, “Does this cause you to be offended? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascending where he was before? 63 The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help! The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had already known from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 So Jesus added, “Because of this I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has allowed him to come.” 66 After this many of his disciples quit following him and did not accompany him any longer. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God!” 70 Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is the devil?” 71 (Now he said this about Judas son of Simon Iscariot; for Judas, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.) (John 6:61-71)

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of perfumed oil made of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfumed oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” 6 (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box he used to take what was put into it.) 7 So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial. 8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me” (John 12:1-7).

In this life there are a good many things that are very difficult to understand or to explain. In our text, the disciples found it extremely difficult to comprehend what Jesus was saying when He told them that one of them was about to betray Him.

When we read John’s account of this event in John chapter 13, we find it hard to understand why the disciples didn’t quickly grasp what Jesus was telling them. When we marvel at the “dullness” of the disciples, we forget that we read through John’s Gospel somewhat like I watch one of my favorite movies—“What’s Up, Doc?”

I know that movie so well I start laughing a full minute before one of my favorite funny scenes occurs on screen. For example, I love the chase scene down the hills of San Francisco, especially the one in which the plate glass window is finally broken, after a number of near misses. And so, when that part gets close, I start warming up for it, laughing at what seems to be nothing at all.

We are tempted to read the Gospels like I watch my favorite movies. We know the entire story, from beginning to end. And thus, when we read any one text, we know what came before, just as we know how it all will end. We know, for example, that Jesus is going to be arrested, found guilty, and crucified—all within a few hours. We also know that He is going to be raised from the dead, and that He will ascend into heaven and return to the Father. But what is so clear to us in hindsight was not at all clear to the disciples.

They heard Jesus say that He was about to be betrayed by one of them. Peter even inquired of Jesus (through John, it would seem) about just who the betrayer was. And Jesus told John that it would be the one who took from His hand the piece of bread that He dipped into the dish. Yet when Jesus dipped the bread into the dish and gave it to Judas, who took it, no one did anything. No one even seemed to grasp what Jesus had just indicated. You have to understand that what Jesus was saying was so far from what they expected, they simply could not grasp what seemed to be clearly indicated.

All of this was for a reason—a very important reason. This reason we shall see as we study our text in this lesson. There are many important truths for us to consider and to apply here, so let us listen well, and let us ask the Spirit of God to make the meaning and the application of this text clear to us.

Judas—Putting the Pieces Together

In every listing of the names of the twelve apostles in the New Testament, this apostle’s name is always listed last (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16).  In addition, every listing of this apostle’s name carries with it a derogatory comment that always follows. It is either “who betrayed him” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:14) or “who became a traitor” (Luke 6:16).  The apostle’s name is Judas.

 

The name “Judas” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Judah¹‘.  One of the twelve tribes of Israel had this name.  It was also the name of a famous soldier who led the Jews in a successful revolt against Syria.  To a Jew, the name “Judas” had the same honor as the name George Washington or Abraham Lincoln would have to an American citizen.  Its small wonder then that many Jewish parents named their sons Judas during the period when Jesus was born on the earth.  It was a practice soon to end.

To distinguish the apostle Judas from the other men named Judas, a second name was attached to his name.  It was “Iscariot”.  Iscariot could have meant many things – gain or reward; an inhabitant of Jericho, or a dagger-bearer.  Whatever it meant, Iscariot was also the name Judas’ father wore.  His name was Simon Iscariot (John 6:71; 13:26).  Some biblical scholars think Iscariot meant leather coat, implying that Simon and Judas may have been leatherworkers by trade.  Others think Iscariot meant the name of a place, Kerioth or Cariot, an Old Testament town in the region of Judea (Joshua 15:25).

Each of the Gospel writers has chosen to include certain details about Judas and to exclude others. It may be helpful for us to begin this lesson by reviewing what we know about Judas in sequential order:[1]

• Judas is chosen as one of the 12 (Luke 6:12-16; Mark 3:13-19).
• Judas is sent out as one of the 12 (Matthew 10:4).
• Judas accompanies Jesus with the other 11 disciples, beholding our Lord’s character and power, and hearing Him teach and claim to be the Messiah (Mark 3:14).
• In all of this, Judas never comes to faith in Jesus as his Messiah (John 6:64-65; 13:10-11, 18; 17:12).
• Judas is put in charge of the money box (John 12:6; 13:29).
• Judas begins to steal money from the money box (John 12:6).
• When Mary anoints the feet of Jesus, Judas is incensed by her extravagance, and is distressed that Jesus would allow such “waste” when this ointment could have been sold, and the proceeds given to the poor. He apparently manages to convince his fellow-disciples, so that they verbally harass Mary also (John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9).
• [At this same point in time the chief priests and Pharisees are panic-stricken by our Lord’s growing popularity, as a result of the raising of Lazarus and then the triumphal entry (John 11:45-53, 57; 12:9-11). They wanted to seize Jesus privately, but not during the feast of Passover, lest they stir up the crowds (Matthew 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2). They become so desperate they decide to kill not only Jesus (John 11:53), but Lazarus as well (John 12:10). The time was “ripe” for Judas to come to them with his proposal of betrayal.]
• Shortly after this incident with Mary, in which Jesus rebukes Judas and the other disciples, Judas goes to the chief priests and strikes a deal with them to betray Jesus and to hand Him over to them (Matthew 26:14-15; Mark 14:10-11).
• Judas begins to look for the right moment to hand Jesus over to the chief priests and Pharisees (Mark 14:11).
• Judas is with Jesus and the disciples during the first part of the Last Supper, apparently in the place of honor, next to Jesus (John 13:26).
• At the meal, Jesus indicates that one of the disciples will betray Him (Matthew 26:20-25; Mark 14:17-21), and then, by means of His dipping a piece of bread and handing it to Judas, our Lord indicates that it is Judas who will betray Him (Mark 14:20; John 13:21-27).
• Judas accepts the bread Jesus offers him, after which Satan immediately possesses him (John 13:27).
• Jesus dismisses Judas to carry out his terrible deed (John 13:27-30).
• Judas leads the soldiers to Jesus, where he identifies Jesus as the One they are to arrest by kissing Him (Matthew 26:47-50; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 22:47-48; John 18:1-9).
• Judas regrets his betrayal and tries to reverse his actions by returning the money, but it is too late. Judas then goes out and hangs himself (Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:15-19).

Judas—Who Would Have Ever Thought …

John 13:18-20 (NIV) 18“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’19“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

 

“This is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'”^NIV Jesus’ betrayal was necessary to fulfill Scripture—specifically, Psalm 41:9. The expression pictures a horse lifting his heel ready for a swift (and sometimes deadly) kick. Jesus drew from Psalm 41 because it describes how one of David’s friends turned against him:

“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9 niv). This may have referred to the story of David’s trusted companion, Ahithophel, who betrayed David and then went and hanged himself (see 2 Samuel 16:20-17:3, 23). Judas, who had been with Jesus and was a trusted companion (Judas was keeper of the money), would betray Jesus and then hang himself.

Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses. If he is your Christian neighbor, he is holy in almost the same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat—the glorifier and the glorified, God Himself, is truly hidden. C. S. Lewis

Jesus had known all along that Judas would betray him (see 6:64, 70-71; Matthew 17:22-23; 20:17-19), but he predicted the betrayal in the presence of his disciples so that they would realize, when the betrayal actually occurred, that it had been prophesied in Scripture (see Acts 1:16). This would strengthen their faith.

13:20 “Whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”^NRSV This verse follows the thought of verse 16, where Jesus spoke of being a servant to the one who sent him. He would send forth his disciples so that whoever would receive them would receive Jesus and, in turn, receive the one who sent Jesus—God the Father.

The word betrayal denotes horrible breaches of trust, unfaithfulness, treachery, and duplicity. In the history of a nation, it is acts of treason whereby someone gives “aid and comfort to the enemy.” In the history of the church, it is the immoral behavior of pedophile priests, money-grubbing televangelists, and inexcusable silence in the face of racism or sexism. In families, it is adultery or child abuse. In our individual Christian lives, it is following the tugs of flesh over Spirit and offering our pitiful rationalizations for sin over repenting in genuine sorrow.

Today’s sermon is about betrayal. No, actually it is about two acts of betrayal. And I hope there is more to be learned here this morning from the second than the first. I have certainly prayed while preparing it that God will use this sermon not to drive anyone to the despondency of a Judas-response to failure but to the gracious restoration of a Simon Peter-response. For this lesson is ultimately not about Judas or Peter but – as all the Gospel of John was originally crafted to be – Jesus.

The light of Jesus dispels the darkness of Satan. The grace of Jesus conquers the sins we commit and even the addictive power of sin in our hearts. The forgiveness of Jesus is greater than the judgment and condemnation of our arrogant disobedience.

Yes, Jesus knew what Judas was up to that night. But when did he know? It isn’t clear. One thing that does seem clear to me is that Jesus did not pick Judas back at the start of his ministry and manipulate him to that awful deed.

If Judas betrayed the Son of Man because God willed and arranged the event, he was obedient rather than disobedient to the divine will and thus should be honored rather than despised for his deed. Judas wound up fulfilling a divine prediction, but the ability to predict accurately testifies to God’s timelessness (i.e., ability to know past, present, and future simultaneously) rather than to his activity in bringing about all things that happen.

Who would have ever thought that Jesus would be betrayed, and by one of His 12 disciples? Answer: none of the 12, except for Judas. The Gospels do not really mention Judas all that often, but we do read of Judas being sent out by Jesus, along with the other 11 (Matthew 10:1ff.; Mark 3:19; Luke 9:1ff.).

Imagine, Judas was used of our Lord to manifest His power over the demons, and over every kind of illness: “He called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits so they could cast them out and heal every kind of disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1).

Who would have ever imagined that he would refuse to trust in Jesus as his Messiah?

Think of all the miracles which took place before the eyes of Judas. He witnessed the casting out of demons, the giving of sight to the blind (even a man born blind—John 9), and the raising of the dead (e.g., John 11). He was there when Jesus stilled the storm (see Luke 8:22-25) and when He walked on the sea (John 6:19-21). He took part in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) and then of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:29-39). Each of the other disciples grew in their faith at each new manifestation of our Lord’s power, love, mercy, and holiness. Not so with Judas.

And yet Judas seems to be the last one any of the disciples would have suspected of being the betrayer of whom our Lord was speaking. He seems to have been seated in the place of honor at the Last Supper, beside our Lord. He was the one entrusted with the money that was given to our Lord (John 12:6). Even when Jesus indicated that Judas was His betrayer by giving him the bread, the disciples still did not recognize him for who he really was. In this sense, I think, Judas was just like his “real father,” the devil:

13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

A dark shadow now falls across the scene as Jesus deals with Judas, the traitor. Judas was the treasurer of the group (12:6) and was certainly held in high regard by his fellow disciples.

At this hour, Jesus had TWO great concerns: (1) to fulfill the Word of God (13:18-30), and (2) to magnify the glory of God (vs. 31-35).

Jesus tells His disciples that what He is saying does not apply to all of them. His words apply to those whom He has chosen. The inference is clear: there is someone among them whom He has not chosen, who is not a true believer. It is to this person that our Lord’s words do not apply. But what has Jesus been “saying” that doesn’t apply to Judas? In particular, I think it is the words of verse 17: “If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Jesus has been speaking of following His example by serving one another. They, as His disciples, are to do as their Master has shown them. But Judas is not truly one of our Lord’s own; he is not a true disciple of Jesus. He, of course, is not “clean,” as the other disciples are (13:10-11). Jesus has just said that the real blessing is not just in knowing and understanding what He has taught them, but in doing what He commands. If they (His disciples) do what He has commanded, they will be blessed. Good works are of great benefit to the Christian.

They contribute nothing to his salvation, but they do evidence true conversion, and they are the basis for the believer’s rewards. Good works benefit the Christian, but good works don’t benefit the unbeliever. When good works are done apart from faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and sanctification, they are actually an insult to God. Unbelievers who work to please Him while rejecting His Son are saying, in effect, “No thanks. I don’t need your righteousness, I’ll just produce my own. And so I won’t need your Son, either.”

Trusting and obeying God is a blessing; working hard to please God by our own efforts is an offense. Thus, only the Christian can be truly blessed by doing what God commands.

The things of which our Lord is speaking to His disciples are very important, and of great value to His true disciples (excluding Judas). His words are prophetic, spelling out what the future holds for Him and for Judas. The things of which He is speaking actually fulfill prophecy. Judas, who is reclining beside Jesus, and is about to take the bread which He offers, is one whose terrible betrayal has been foretold. John now cites Psalm 41:9, which says, ‘The one who eats my bread has turned against me.’

It was a very significant thing to sit at a man’s table and to eat his bread. In the ancient world, sharing a meal together was almost to make a covenant (in fact covenants were often made in association with a meal).[2] You will remember the story of Lot, who invites perfect strangers into his home in Sodom, and then makes a shocking offer to the men of Sodom, in an attempt to protect his guests:

1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.” 3 But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.” 6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7 and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8 See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof” (Genesis 19:1-8, NKJV).

To share a meal with guests was to offer them not only provisions, but protection. Lot was so committed to his obligation to protect these “strangers” that he was willing to sacrifice the sexual purity of his daughters to protect his guests. I don’t pretend to comprehend this, or to defend it. I am simply pointing out that in the ancient Jewish (and perhaps more broadly, the Near Eastern) culture, inviting a man into one’s home and to his table was a most significant act.

If the host made such commitments to his guest(s), one would expect the guest to reciprocate in some way. And yet the one who sat at our Lord’s table and ate His bread actually betrayed Him. What a horrible thing Judas is about to do to His Master, and immediately after eating His bread.

John wants us to see that all this was prophesied ahead of time. He wants His disciples to know that much prophecy will not be understood at the time it is being fulfilled, but in hindsight, it can be seen clearly.[3] Jesus is not telling His disciples these things so that they will understand Him and believe what He has said at that very moment. He tells them these things which will occur in the future so that they will believe when these prophecies are fulfilled. Then His disciples will know that Jesus was in full control, bringing about that which the Father had purposed in eternity past. In His earthly sojourn, Jesus was always in control. He was never, a helpless victim.

In verses 19 and 20, Jesus makes it very clear that all of this is about believing in Him. Jesus tells His disciples what is going to happen ahead of time, so that when these things take place they will remember He told them beforehand and believe in Him as the Messiah.[4]

While Jesus is indirectly exposing Judas as an unbeliever here, His emphasis is on believing, believing in Him. This is the thrust of verse 20. Whoever accepts the one Jesus sends (and He will soon be sending them out, as we see in the “Great Commission”—Matthew 28:18-20) accepts Jesus Himself. Whoever accepts Jesus as God’s “sent One” (see John 1:1-18) accepts the Father, who sent Him.

Although these words seem to be directed to His believing disciples, I cannot help but wonder if this is not also one last appeal to Judas to believe. To betray Jesus is certainly the opposite of believing in Him.

He quotes from Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

Jesus was concerned that Judas’ treachery would not weaken His disciples’ faith. This is why He related it to the  Word of God: when the disciples saw all of this fulfilled, it would make their faith stronger (see John 8:28). Judas had been disloyal, but He expected them to be loyal to Him and His cause.

After all, He was God the Son sent by God the Father. They were the Christ’s chosen representatives; to receive them would be the same as receiving the Father and the Son: “I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone Isend acceptsme; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

The remarkable thing is that the others at the table with Jesus did not know that Judas was an unbeliever and a traitor. Up to the very hour of his treachery, Judas  was protected by the Savior whom he betrayed.

1. Judas, the Trusted Apostle

Very little is known about Judas Iscariot until the last week of Jesus life.  Until then, only his name, the accompanying derogatory remarks, and one other reference is ever made about him.  This other reference is found in John 6:70 where Jesus stated to Peter, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”  John states in the following verse that Jesus “spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was to betray him”.  These references paint a negative picture of Judas Iscariot, but remember Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote their gospel accounts after the fact, thereby prejudicing their views of Judas because of what he had done.

Until Judas Iscariot committed his betrayal act, the apostles apparently placed great trust in Judas.  They made him their treasurer and entrusted him with the financial affairs of the group (John 13:29).  This, in spite of the fact that Matthew would have been the logical member of the group to perform this important duty because of his background, training and experience as a tax collector.  At the Last Supper, it is thought that

Judas held the seat of honor next to Jesus, sitting to his left.  If so, Jesus would have been reclining on Judas at the table and, as the host, would have been passing the prepared food to Judas first.  This appears to have been the case when Jesus said he would pass the morsel of food to the one that was to betray him (John 13:26).  When Judas left the table to perform his infamous betrayal, none of the other apostles suspected anything, for they assumed he was leaving to perform a noble deed or purchase additional supplies (John 13:29);  it being a tradition among the Jews to give something to the poor on the passover night.  The apostles must have put complete trust in Judas until the very moment of his evil deed.

1. Judas, the Treacherous Apostle

As the last days of Jesus’ life on earth unfold, additional glimpses of Judas Iscariot are shown.  Two days before the Passover, Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:37-38; John 12:1-8).  A supper had been prepared for Jesus; Martha was serving and her brother Lazarus was seated at the table with Jesus (John 12:2).  Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, brought an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment – a pound of pure nard, and poured it on the head of Jesus as he sat at the table (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; John 12:3).  She wiped his feet with her hair (John 12:3).  The house filled with the fragrance of the ointment (John 12:3).  When the apostles saw what took place, Judas Iscariot said, “Why was this ointment wasted?  For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denani, and given to the poor” (Mark 14:4-5).

John’s account explains Judas’ motive for his remark, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it” (John 12:6).  Thus Judas was found to possess the root of all evil – the love of money (I Timothy 6:10).  It may have been Judas that the apostle was referring to when he wrote, “It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.” (I Timothy 6:10).  If only Judas could have known the words of Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”

Money was Judas’ main motivation for betraying Jesus.  He bargained with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6).  Thirty pieces of silver was the price of a good slave; the wages of the foolish shepherd in Zechariah 11:12-13.  Judas had seen Jesus escape from hostile crowds in the past (Luke 4:29-30; John 8:59; 10:31,39).  In his own mind Judas probably reasoned that Jesus would do it once again.  He would be thirty pieces of silver richer and Jesus would still remain free.  What could be better? But this time things did not go as Judas had expected they would.  Jesus did not try to escape.  He was arrested and taken away by the crowd. Judas had made a terrible error. in judgement.  He had found out what happens when Satan enters your heart (Luke 22:3; John 13:2).  Even an appeal from Jesus himself had not stopped him.  When Jesus told the apostles that one of them would betray him (Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:18-30), Judas had asked, “Is it I, Master?” and Jesus had said to him, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:25).

III. Judas, the Terminated Apostle

When Judas realized that Jesus wasn’t going to escape from his captors, he began to rethink his plan.  He repented and took back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4).  But the chief priests and elders would not take back the money saying, “What is it to us?  See to it yourself” (Matthew 27:4).  Judas then threw down the money in the temple and departed.  He then went out and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).  His body later fell and burst open (Acts 1:18).

Conclusion of Lesson

Judas had tried to make things right with himself and Jesus.  He had urged the chief priests and elders to take the money back, hoping possibly that they would let Jesus go.  When that attempt failed, he lost all sense of reality.  He forgot what he had seen Jesus do in the past forgive the sins of other people – the paralytic let down through the roof (Matthew 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-5; Luke 5:17-26); the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:7-26), the man who had been lame for thirty-eight years (John 5:2-14); the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11).

Time and time again he had seen the bad situations Peter had gotten himself into, seen him turn to Jesus for help, and each time be restored to the good graces of the Lord.  He had heard Jesus teaching, “if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15); and “Come unto me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28).  He had heard Jesus’ reply to Peter’s question about how many times a brother should be forgiven, M₁ do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21)   He had heard Jesus teach that, “All sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemes they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28-29).  He had seen the compassion Jesus had for men and women who were possessed of demons.

Yes, he had seen and heard all this, but he did not apply what he had seen and heard to his own situation he found himself in.  He thought life wasn’t worth living and that Jesus would never forgive him.  He did not give himself a second chance.  He forgot the compassion and comfort available to him through Jesus.  He took matters into his own hands and committed suicide.

When life’s burdens crumble in around you, suicide is not the answer. When you think you are in bad situations that you can never get out of, suicide is not the answer.  When you have done things that you think you can’t forgive yourself for, suicide is not the answer answer.’  Christ is the answer!  He can made life’s darkest hour light again. He can turn night into day.  He can restore your self-respect and help you work your problems out.  He can be the lighthouse in the storm.  Don’t give up on yourself; give yourself to Jesus.  Suicide is not the answer, but the Savior is!

 

The Hill of Regret by Max Lucado

While Jesus was climbing up the hill of Calvary, Judas was climbing another hill; the hill of regret. He walked it alone. Its trail was rock-strewn with shame and hurt. Its landscape was as barren as his soul. Thorns of remorse tore at his ankles and calves. The lips that had kissed a king were cracked with grief And on his shoulders he bore a burden that bowed his back-his own failure.

Why Judas betrayed his master is really not im­portant. Whether motivated by anger or greed, the end re­sult was the same-regret. A few years ago I visited the Supreme Court. As I sat in the visitor’s chambers, I observed the splendor of the scene. The chief justice was flanked by his colleagues. Robed in honor, they were the apex of justice. They repre­sented the efforts of countless minds through thousands of decades. Here was man’s best effort to deal with his own failures.

How pointless it would be, I thought to myself, if I approached the bench and requested forgiveness for my mistakes. Forgiveness for talking back to my fifth grade teacher. Forgiveness for being disloyal to my

friends. Forgiveness for pledging “I won’t” on Sunday and saying “I will” on Monday. Forgiveness for the countless hours I have spent wandering in society’s gutters.

It would be pointless because the judge could do nothing. Maybe a few days in jail to appease my guilt, but forgiveness? It wasn’t his to give. Maybe that’s why so many of us spend so many hours on the hill of regret. We haven’t found a way to forgive ourselves.

So up the hill we trudge. Weary, wounded hearts wrestling with unresolved mistakes. Sighs of anxiety. Tears of frustration. Words of rationalization. Moans of doubt. For some the pain is on the surface. For others the hurt is submerged, buried in a rarely touched ₃ubsrrata of bad memories. Parents, lovers, professionals. Some trying to forget, others trying to remember, all trying to cope. We walk silently in single file with leg irons of guilt. Paul was the man who posed the question that is on all of our lips, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

At the trail’s end there are two trees.

One is weathered and leafless. It is dead but still sturdy. Its bark is gone, leaving smooth wood bleached white by the years. Twigs and buds no longer sprout, only bare branches fork from the trunk. On the strongest of these branches is tied a hangman’s noose. It was here that Judas dealt with his failure.

If only Judas had looked at the adjacent tree. It is also dead; its wood is also smooth. But there is no noose tied its crossbeam. No more death on this tree. Once was enough. One death for all.

Those of us who have also betrayed Jesus know better than to be too hard on Judas for choosing the tree he did. To think that Jesus would really unburden our shoulders and unshackle our legs after all we’ve done to him is not easy to believe. In fact, it takes just as much faith to believe that Jesus can look past my betrayals as it does to believe that he rose from the dead. Both are just as miraculous.

What a pair, these two trees. Only a few feet from the tree of despair stands the tree of hope. Life so paradox­ically close to death. Goodness within arm’s reach of dark­ness. A hangman’s noose and a life preserver swinging in the same shadow.

But here they stand.

One can’t help but be a bit stunned by the incon­ceivability of it all. Why does Jesus stand on life’s most bar­ren hill and await me with outstretched, nail-pierced hands? A “crazy, holy grace” it has been called. A type of grace that doesn’t holdup to logic. But then I guess grace doesn’t have to be logical. If it did, it wouldn’t be grace.

[1] This sequence may not be flawless, although I think it comes close to reality, but let the reader judge for himself.

[2] See Exodus 24:9-11.

[3] See Isaiah 48:5-7.

[4] Our text reads, “… so that when it happens you may believe that I am he.” The “I am” is, of course, significant, and the “he” must be referring to His identity as Israel’s Messiah.

1. IF GOD BECAME MAN, we would expect His human life to be sinless, since it is inconceivable that God would sin.

Jesus fulfilled this expectation in that He lived completely above sin.

2 Cor. 5:21: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Because He possessed perfect moral purity, He is never seen to admit the need of penitence, and never confessed himself to be guilty of sin.

“In vain do we look through the entire biography of Jesus for a single stain or the slightest shadow of his moral character. There never lived a more harmless being on earth. He injured nobody, he took advantage of nobody. He never spoke an improper word, he never committed a wrong action.”

Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.”

2. IF GOD BECAME MAN, we would expect Him to be holy in character.

Not only would there be an absence of sin in His life, but there would be in Him a superb degree of holiness (This is one of the strongest proofs that Jesus was God incarnate).

3. IF GOD BECAME MAN, it would be expected that His words be the greatest ever spoken.

Jesus is called the Master Teacher, and is lauded in the greatest of human literatures. His teachings in the gospels are read more, quoted more, translated into more languages, loved more, believed more, represented more in art, and set to more music.. .than the words of any other person.

He never had a course in teaching, yet knew more about it than anybody else. He had perfect knowledge about God and about God’s will, and it showed in His lifestyle. He never had to guess what God wanted Him to do.

He also had perfect knowledge of the people whom He taught. He knew what was in man (John 2:25).

He taught new things in terms of old ones, and used farming, fishing, cooking, and buying land to make his points clear.

He adapted this method to the particular person or group He wished to teach.

He was the  Master Teacher, too, because He practiced what He taught. Even His enemies said: “No one ever spoke the way this man does?” (John 7:46).

4. IF GOD BECAME MAN, it would be expected that He exert tremendous influence over human minds.

“Whether Jesus be man or God, whether the gospels be mainly fiction or fancy, certainly a historic person named Jesus gave men such an impact as to be unequaled by far in the entire annals of human history.”

Just think.. some 2,000 after His life, he is still quoted by so many!

5. IF GOD BECAME MAN it would be expected that He would perform supernatural deeds.

The life of Christ is a constant illustration of the supernatural in Him:

* Protection by hosts of angels.

* His supernatural knowledge.

* His supernatural death.

* His supernatural resurrection.

* His supernatural ascension.

Turn to Matthew 11:3-5: relate context and discuss verses.

Matthew 11:3-5: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” {4} Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: {5} The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”

* Remember what the Pharisee, Nicodemus said, in John 3:2, when he came to Jesus by night? “For no one could perform the  miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

The main purpose of his miracles were to cause people to believe on Him. Jesus wanted to prove to all honest hearts that He was sent from God to save men. Sickness and disease were used to furnish an occasion for Christ to heal and God to be glorified.

The resurrection of Christ alone is sufficient to convince any one and every one, if they are honest, that Jesus is the Son of God!

6. IF GOD BECAME MAN, it would be expected that He manifest incomparable love for humanity.

He did this in a way no other has ever done.. He died even for His enemies. He demonstrated throughout His life that He was a friend of sinners.. the poor.. .the despised.. the broken-hearted.. .the downcast. His constant attituue was gentle, tneder, sympathetic, loving, and kind.

7. IF GOD BECAME MAN, that He would be the most divine, unique, and incomparable person who ever lived.

This is confirmed by atheists, infidels, and unbelievers.. .who will at least appraise His character.

He was raised in an illiterate province, and had no special training…yet was (and is) accepted by the most scholarly, wealthy, powerful, and influential as being truly the Son of God.

‘Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, and that a dispised one. He worked in a carpenter shop for 30 years, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. he never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a house. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a really big city. He never traveled, except in His infancy, more than 200 miles from the place where He was born. He had no credentials but himself.

“While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away; one of them betrayed Him. He was turned over to His enemies…He went through the mockery of a trail. He was nailed upon a Gross between two thieves. His executors gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth, His seamless robe.

“When He was dead, He was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave through the courtesy of a friend. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today Jesus is the centerpiece of the human race, and the leader of all human progress. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that have ever sat, and all the kings that have ever ruled PUT TOGETHER have not affected the life of man upon this earth like this one solitary personality.

“All times dates from his birth, and it is impossible to understand or interpret the progress of human civilization in any nation on earth apart from His influence.

“Slowly through the ages man is coming to realize that the greatest necessity in the world is not water, Iron, gold, food, clothing, or even nitrate in the soil…but rather, Christ enshrined in human hearts, thoughts, and motives.”

A closer look at the two Roman officials who found no sin in Jesus at the cross (Pilate and Herod)

 The Cross Does Interfere

Things have come to a pretty pass,” said a famous Englishman testily, “when religion is permitted to interfere with our private lives.”

To which we may reply that things have come to a worse pass when an intelligent man living in a Protestant country could make such a remark. Had this man never read the New Testament? Had he never heard of Stephen? or Paul? or Peter? Had he never thought about the millions who followed Christ cheerfully to violent death, sudden or lingering, because they did allow their religion to interfere with their private lives?

But we must leave this man to his conscience and his Judge and look into our own hearts. Maybe he but expressed openly what some of us feel secretly. Just how radically has our religion interfered with the neat pattern of our own lives? Perhaps we had better answer that question first.

I have long believed that a man who spurns the Christian faith outright is more respected before God and the heavenly powers than the man who pretends to religion but refuses to come under its total domination. The first is an overt enemy, the second a false friend. It is the latter who will be spewed out of the mouth of Christ; and the reason is not hard to understand.

One picture of a Christian is a man carrying a cross. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The man with a cross no longer controls his destiny; he lost control when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming interference. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing he can do; that is, move on toward the place of crucifixion.

The man who will not tolerate interference is under no compulsion to follow Christ. “If anyone would,” said our Lord, and thus freed every man and placed the Christian life in the realm of voluntary choice.

Yet no man can escape interference. Law, duty, hunger, accident, natural disasters, illness, death, all intrude into his plans, and in the long run there is nothing he can do about it. Long experience with the rude necessities of life has taught men that these interferences will be thrust upon them sooner or later, so they learn to make what terms they can with the inevitable. They learn how to stay within the narrow circular rabbit path where the least interference is to be found. The bolder ones may challenge the world, enlarge the circle somewhat and so increase the number of their problems, but no one invites trouble deliberately. Human nature is not built that way.

Truth is a glorious but hard mistress. She never consults, bargains or compromises. She cries from the top of the high places: “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold” (Proverbs 8:10). After that, every man is on his own. He may accept or refuse, receive or set at naught as he pleases; and there will be no attempt at coercion, though the man’s whole destiny is at stake.

Let a man become enamored of eternal wisdom and set his heart to win her and he takes on himself a full-time, all-engaging pursuit. Thereafter he will have room for little else. Thereafter his whole life will be filled with seekings and findings, self-repudiations, tough disciplines and daily dyings as he is being crucified unto the world and the world unto him.

Were this an unfallen world the path of truth would be a smooth and easy one. Had the nature of man not suffered a huge moral dislocation there would be no discord between the way of God and the way of man. I assume that in heaven the angels live through a thousand serene millenniums without feeling the slightest discord between their desires and the will of God. But not so among men on earth. Here the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary one to the other. In that contest there can be only one outcome. We must surrender and God must have His way. His glory and our eternal welfare require that it be so.

Another reason that our religion must interfere with our private lives is that we live in the world, the Bible name for human society. The regenerated man has been inwardly separated from society as Israel was separated from Egypt at the crossing of the Red Sea. The Christian is a man of heaven temporarily living on earth. Though in spirit divided from the race of fallen men he must yet in the flesh live among them. In many things he is like them, but in others he differs so radically from them that they cannot but see and resent it. From the days of Cain and Abel the man of earth has punished the man of heaven for being different. The long history of persecution and martyrdom confirms this.

But we must not get the impression that the Christian life is one continuous conflict, one unbroken irritating struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. A thousand times no. The heart that learns to die with Christ soon knows the blessed experience of rising with Him, and all the world’s persecutions cannot still the high note of holy joy that springs up in the soul that has become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

In 4 B.C. Herod the Great, king of Palestine for almost 44 years, died and left his territory to his three sons – Philip, Archelaus, and Herod Antipas.  To Philip were given the territories northeast of the Sea of Galilee.  To Archelaus were given the territories of Samaria, Judea, and the northern part of Idumea.  To Herod Antipas were given the territories of Galilee and Persia east of the Jordan.

In 6 A.D., Archelaus was deposed of his territories because of his incapability.  Rather than replace him with a suitable ruler from the Jews, the Romans decided to place Judea under direct control of Roman governors, who became known as procurators.  From 26-36 A.D., this post was held by Pontius Pilate.

The idea of Roman control was a constant irritant to the Jews.  Because of this, the Jews made sure they were also a constant irritant to the Romans.  Some Jews hated the Romans so much that they organized themselves into a subversive political party known as “Zealots^” whose sole purpose became the advocation of the overthrow of the Roman government.  In an effort to appease the Jews in Jerusalem, the procurators of Judea moved their headquarters from Jerusalem to Caesarea, on the Mediterranean coast.

However, they left occupation troops in the city, and whenever large crowds of Jews were expected to assemble in Jerusalem for a religious holiday, the procurators usually made sure they were in the city to help maintain peace and order if it was needed. While there, they always stayed at the palace of Herod the Great.  This is why Pilate was in the city of Jerusalem before the annual passover feast at the time of Jesus¹ arrest.

At this time in Jewish history, the Sanhedrin council’s jurisdiction had been reduced to the point that it really had very little authority over anything that was not strictly religious, and all its decisions had to be reported to the Roman government.  For this reason, the council had to get the procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate, to confirm the sentence of death on Jesus before he could be executed.

When the Jews brought Jesus before Pilate for this confirmation, upon learning that Jesus had been in Galilee preaching (and therefore subject to Herod Antipas), Pilate attempted to avoid confirming Jesus’ sentence by sending Jesus to Herod, who also happened to be in the city because of the Passover feast. However, Herod spoiled Pilate’s plan by sending Jesus back to Pilate to make him pronounce the confirmation on Jesus’ death.

What type of men were these Roman officials who held Jesus’ life in their hands?  Could they be expected to use good judgment in their decisions concerning Jesus’ guilt or innocence?  How easily could they be influenced by their Jewish subjects?  In this lesson we will take a closer look at these two Roman officials involved in Jesus’ crucifixion.

1. Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great by his Samaritan wife, Matthaec (Maithace).  He was a Sadducee and as such denied a moral government and a future state.  Sadducees were distinguished for their ferocity and inhumanity in their judicial capacity.  Herod Antipas had a historical profile that was far from commendable.  He was superstitious, inquisitive about truth without loving it, crafty, incestuous and wholly immoral, and foxlike in his cunning (Luke 13:32).

John the Baptist, who openly rebuked Herod Antipas for his gross immorality and defiance of the Mosaic law, paid for his courage with his life (Matthew 14:1,10; Luke 13:31; Leviticus 18:16).  To Herod’s credit, he was a subtle diplomat and an astute manager of difficult situations.

When Jesus was brought to Herod Antipas at Pilate’s direction (Luke 23:6-7), Herod was very glad to see Jesus (Luke 23:8).  In fact, Herod had long desired to see him (Luke 23:8).  This may have been because of Herod’s steward, Chuza.  His wife, Joanna, was a long-time follower and supporter of the ministry of Jesus (Luke 8:3).  It could have been through Chuza that Herod learned about Jesus’ ministry.  [It is also interesting to note that in later years, Manaen, a member of Herod’s court, became a member of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1)).  However, Herod was confused about who Jesus may have been.  He at first thought Jesus might have been John the Baptist, raised from the dead (Matthew 14:1-2; Mark 6:14-16; Luke 9:7-9).  But the real reason Herod longed to see Jesus was not to learn of his ministry, but to see if some sign would be done by Jesus in his presence (Luke 23:8).

Herod questioned Jesus at some length, but Jesus made no answer (Luke 23:9).  As the chief priests and scribes stood near by, Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him (Luke 23:10-11).  Herod then had Jesus arrayed in gorgeous apparel and sent him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11) without finding Jesus guilty of any crime.

 

1. Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate was the 5th procurator or governmental representative of imperial Rome in Palestine.  He reigned from 26-36 A.D.  Pontius, his famtly name, meant “belonging to the sea”; Pilate, taken from a Latin word, meant ¹¹one armed with a javelin”. He was hated by the Jews and Samaritans for his covetous and cruel government and actions.  History tells us that he was recalled from his office by the emperor Tiberius and banished to Vienna in Gaul by Caligua, where he took his own life by drowning in 41 A.D.

Pilate’s first encounter with Jesus:

Jesus is brought before Pilate by the Jewish leaders on the morning of Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1; John 18:28) Pilate asks the leaders, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”  (John 18:29)

The Jewish leaders tell Pilate, “If this man were not an evildoer we would not have handed him over.”  (John 18:30)

The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.” (Luke 23:2)

Pilate tells the leaders, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.”  (John 18:31)

The Jewish leaders respond, “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.”  (John 18:31)

The chief priests and elders accuse Jesus, but Jesus makes no answer to them.  Pilate asks Jesus, “Have you no answer to make?  Do you not hear (see) how many things they testify (bring) against you?”  (Matthew 27:13; Mark 15:4)

Jesus gives Pilate no answer.  Pilate wonders greatly. (Matthew 27:14; Mark 15:5)

Pilate questions Jesus, ”Are you the King of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2;Luke 23:3; John 18:33)

Jesus asks Pilate, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say It to you about me?”  (John 18:34)

Pilate answers Jesus, “Am I a Jew?  Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?” (John 18:35)

Jesus answers Pilate, “My kingship Is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight; that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.”  (John 18:36)

Pilate asks Jesus, “So you are a king?”  (John 18:37)

Jesus answers Pilate, “You have said so.” “You say that I am a king.  For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.  Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” (Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:3; John 18:37)

Pilate asks Jesus, “What is truth?”  (John 18:38) Pilate tells the chief priests and multitudes, “I find no crime

In this man.”  (Luke 23:4; John 18:38)

The chief priests tell Pilate, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” (Luke 23:5)

In an effort to shirk the responsibility of sentencing Jesus to death  Pilate, upon hearing that Jesus had taught in Galilee, sends Jesus to Herod (Galilee was Herod’s territory) to let him deal with the Jews.  However, Herod spoils Pilate’s plan and returns Jesus to Pilate to make him pronounce the final decision on Jesus.

Pilate’s second encounter with Jesus:

Pilate calls together the chief priests, rulers, and the people and says, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him; neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us.  Behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him; I will therefore chastise him and release him.”  (Luke 23:13-17)

The crowd at the feast comes up to Pilate and asks him to do what he was wont to do for them.  (Mark 15:8) Pilate addresses the crowd at the feast, “I find no crime in him. Whom do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:9; Luke 23:18; John 16:39)

Pilate knew it was out of envy that they (Jews) had delivered him (Jesus) up.  (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10) Pilate’s wife sends word to Pilate, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.”  (Matthew 27:19)

The crowd said to Pilate, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas¹¹  (Luke 23:18; John 18:40)

Desiring to release Jesus, Pilate again addresses the crowd, “Behold, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him.  Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” (Matthew 27:21; Luke 23:20; John 19:4)

After the crowd demands Barabbas, Pilate asks them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22; Mark 15:12)

 

After the crowd demands Jesus be crucified, Pilate asks them,

Why, what evil has he done?  I have found in him no crime deserving death; I will therefore chastise him and release him.” (Matthew 27:23; Mark 15:14; Luke 23:22)

Pilate tells the crowd, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him.”  (John 19:6)

The Jews answer Pilate, “We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God.” (John 19:7)

Pilate asks Jesus, “Where are you from?” but Jesus makes no answer.  Pilate then says, “Will you not speak to me?  Do you not know that I have the power to release you, and power to crucify you?”  (John 19:9-10)

Jesus answers Pilate, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin.”  (John 19:11)

After the crowd demands again that Jesus be crucified, Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing and a riot was beginning.  He took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, .1 am Innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” (Matthew 27:24; John 19:12)

The crowd answers, “1f you release this man, you are not Caesars’ friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar.”  (John 19:12)

Pilate says to the Jews, “Here is your King!”  (John 19:14)

The crowd answers,  “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” (John 19:15)

Pilate asks the crowd, “Shall I crucify your King?” (John 19:15)

The chief priests answer, “We have no king but Caesar!” (John 19:15)

Pilate has Jesus scourged and releases him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26; Hark 15:15; Luke 23:25; John 19:16)

Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross.  It read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

(Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19-22)

Conclusion of Lesson

Two men stood in the way of the Jews sending Jesus to his death – Herod and Pilate.  When confronted by the angry multitude of Jews who brought Jesus to them, both Herod and Pilate found no wrongdoing in Jesus, but allowed him to be crucified because of their fear of the Jews.

Today, we as Christians also allow Jesus to be crucified anew in the world we live in.  Because of our own fears, we often let others be critical of Jesus, the church  members of the church, God’s word, ministers and missionaries of the gospel, and our brothers and sisters Christ.

We do this by not speaking up and taking a stand when others speak evil of God’s workers on the earth now.  Are we any better than Herod or Pilate in this regard?  No, the truth is we are just as guilty as both these men were because of our fears also.  Christians have been the “silent majority” for too long.

 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

23:11-12 Now Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Then they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.^NLT With this prisoner refusing to answer, and looking very little like a great miracle worker, Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Angry at Jesus’ refusal to even answer questions for him, Herod resorted to making a mockery of this man who was supposedly such a great prophet, teacher, and miracle worker. To make fun of Jesus’ claim to be a king (probably Pilate had sent along this information when he sent Jesus to Herod), Herod put a royal robe on him, probably a purple color with fine workmanship. Herod did not even take the charge seriously. So he neither released the prisoner nor made a judgment about his guilt. He simply sent him back to Pilate.

Herod and Pilate had a rather tenuous relationship. Herod was the part-Jewish ruler of Galilee and Perea. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea and Samaria. Those four provinces, together with several others, had been united under Herod the Great. But when Herod the Great died in 4 b.c., the kingdom was divided among his sons, each of whom was called “tetrarch” (meaning “ruler of a fourth part of a region”). Archelaus, the son who had received Judea and Samaria, was removed from office within ten years, and his provinces were then ruled by a succession of Roman governors, of whom Pilate was the fifth.

Herod Antipas had two advantages over Pilate: he had come from a part-Jewish monarchy, and he had held his position much longer. But Pilate had two advantages over Herod: he was a Roman citizen and an envoy of the emperor, and his position was created to replace that of Herod’s ineffective half brother. It is not surprising that the two men were uneasy around each other. Jesus’ trial, however, brought them together. Because Pilate had recognized Herod’s authority over Galilee, Herod had stopped feeling threatened by the Roman politician. And because neither man knew what to do in this predicament, their common problem united them.

PILATE HANDS JESUS OVER TO BE CRUCIFIED / 23:13-25 / 232

According to the Roman custom of releasing a criminal during the Passover season, Pilate presented Jesus to the people. Pilate did not want to bear the responsibility of putting an innocent man to death. But the crowd insisted on Barabbas’s freedom, the release of a known murderer. That Jesus literally died in Barabbas’s place vividly illustrates the ultimate significance of Jesus’ death. He took the place of not only Barabbas but also all who stand condemned before God’s perfect standard and trust in Christ for salvation.

23:13-14 Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him.”^NRSV Pilate thought he had gotten rid of his problem, only to have Jesus sent back. The decision still rested on his shoulders. So he attempted to let this innocent man go by telling Jesus’ accusers that he had examined him and not found this man guilty of any of their charges—including subversion, refusal to pay taxes, causing riots, or perverting the people. He didn’t even find Jesus guilty of being the king he claimed to be. Pilate may have incorrectly thought that Jesus was just a poor, deluded man; he did know, however, that Jesus was innocent.

 

DO WHAT’S RIGHT

When the stakes are high, it is difficult to stand up for what is right, and it is easy to see opponents as problems to be solved rather than as people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus regardless of the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. People are like Pilate when they know what is right but decide not to do it. When you have a difficult decision to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure you to do.

23:15 “Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty.”^NLT Pilate could back up his decision with Herod’s conclusion about Jesus. Herod had mocked Jesus but apparently had sent back word to Pilate that he could find nothing worthy of the death penalty. Jesus was tried a total of six times, by both Jewish and Roman authorities, but he was never convicted of a crime. Even when condemned to execution, he had been convicted of no felony. Today, no one can find fault in Jesus. Just like Pilate, Herod, and the religious leaders, however, many still refuse to acknowledge him as Lord.

23:16 “Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”^NIV The word “punish” here may not indicate the severe flogging that Jesus received after being sentenced, prior to his crucifixion (as noted in Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15), although John 19:1 reports Jesus being flogged and then brought before the crowd. Pilate may have hoped that the flogging would appease the crowd, and they would pity the man and let him go. Pilate was planning to release Jesus, but first he would punish him—to pacify the Jews and teach the prisoner a lesson to stay out of trouble in the future.

 

RIDING THE FENCE

Pilate knew that Jesus had done nothing deserving punishment, and certainly not the death penalty. Even so, he didn’t have the courage or the decency to release Jesus; he tried to find a middle position that would allow Jesus to live and still appease the chief priests and the Jewish rulers. He failed, and Pilate is known forever as the man who ordered the crucifixion of the Son of God. Where do you stand? Have you made up your own mind about Jesus, whether to follow him as Lord and Messiah, or to dismiss him as a misguided martyr? There is no middle ground, no way to ride the fence when it comes to Jesus. You must either embrace him as Lord or reject him as a fraud.

23:17 (For it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).^NKJV This verse does not exist in most modern English versions because it does not appear in any of the earliest Greek manuscripts. It may have been added later, perhaps picked up from Mark 15:6 to make a smoother transition between what is recorded in verses 16 and 18. This information helps the reader understand why the Jews called for the release of a prisoner in 23:18. But the text without 23:17 reads just as well; Pilate’s statement about releasing Jesus (23:16) is followed (23:18) by an immediate plea from the crowd to release Barabbas instead.

Each year at Passover, Pilate had made it a custom to release any prisoner the people requested. He may have instituted this custom to be on good terms with them as well as to help cover his many wrongful acts toward them. In any case, it became expected. So, according to the people, it was necessary for him to release a prisoner to them at the feast.

23:18-19 With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)^NIV The suggestion that Pilate was going to release Jesus (23:16) sent the leaders into a frenzy. Pilate had wanted to release Jesus as the Passover gift (Mark 15:8-9). This had been a public announcement, so many people in the crowd cried out with one voice that Jesus must be put to death. The prisoner they wanted set free was a man named Barabbas. Oddly enough, Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection. Barabbas may have been somewhat of a hero among the Jews for his acts of rebellion against Rome, but he was on death row in a Roman prison. He was a true rebel and revolutionary and had even committed murder. The religious leaders had tried to pin this accusation on Jesus in order to have him put to death, but they chose a man who had done such acts and wanted him set free. Clearly their actions followed no logic. They merely wanted Jesus put to death and would go to any lengths to make sure it happened.

Who was Barabbas? Jewish men had names that identified them with their fathers. Simon Peter, for example, was called Simon, son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17). Barabbas is never identified by his given name, and this name, “Bar-abbas,” simply means “son of ‘Abba'” (or “son of daddy”). He could have been anybody’s son—and that makes for interesting commentary in that he represents all sinners. Barabbas, son of an unnamed father, committed a crime. Because Jesus died in his place, this man was set free. All people too, are sinners and criminals who have broken God’s holy law. Like Barabbas, they deserve to die. But Jesus has died in their place, for their sins, and, by faith, they have been set free.

 

THE DEBT

If you were heavily in debt—to the point where you could never pay it off on your own—and someone offered to pay your debt for you, what would you say? Or if you were sentenced to life in prison, and someone offered to serve your sentence for you, how would you respond? That is what Jesus has done for believers in his death on the cross. He has paid a debt that they could never repay; he has served a sentence that they deserved. Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, a horrible form of death normally reserved for slaves and non-Roman citizens. In addition, the Old Testament taught (Deuteronomy 21:23) that anyone who died by hanging on a tree was cursed. His death atoned for our sins and fulfilled the requirements for breaking the covenant with God. How do you respond toward the one who has done all that for you? The only appropriate response is to live a life of gratitude and obedience before him.

23:20-21 Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”^NIV Pilate really wanted to release Jesus. Matthew recorded that even Pilate’s wife had experienced a dream about Jesus and had urged Pilate to let Jesus go (Matthew 27:19). Pilate must have been in a tight spot, because for some reason he put himself in the position of bargaining with the crowd. He had the authority to let Jesus go and then get on with his day; instead, he appealed to them again but to no avail. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.

This was, in itself, an amazing request. Crucifixion was the Roman penalty for rebellion and abhorrent to the Jews. They thought that Jesus’ crucifixion would demonstrate that his life and message had been under God’s curse, for Deuteronomy 21:23 says, “Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (niv). This is just what the Jewish religious leaders wanted. If Jesus were to be executed, it would be by crucifixion. He would die the death of a rebel and slave, not the death of the king he claimed to be. The crucifixion, from the Jewish perspective, was meant to brand Jesus as cursed by God; the crucifixion, from the Christian perspective, pictures Jesus as taking God’s curse against sin upon himself and allowing his people to be set free from sin.

 

TAKING A STAND

What are the nonnegotiables in your life? What are those core principles and bedrock beliefs that you will not compromise or sell out no matter what? Consider this question before you are in a crisis whereby your principles and beliefs are put to the test. Pilate seems to have had no such convictions. He knew Jesus was innocent and undeserving of punishment, yet he yielded to pressure from his political enemies to sacrifice him. Like Pilate, most people are put in positions where they have to decide where they will stand. Unlike Pilate, Christians must decide to stand firm on the truth revealed to them by God. Where do you stand?

23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”^NIV Pilate tried for the third time. He could not fathom why the crowd so badly wanted this man’s death. Jesus had not committed any crime; there were no grounds for the death penalty. Pilate repeated what he had said in 23:16. He would have Jesus punished and then release him.

There are two reasons why Luke stressed these three attempts Pilate had made to release Jesus. First, Luke wanted to show through his Gospel the innocence of Jesus before Roman law. Luke was giving evidence to prove the acceptability of Christianity to his Gentile readers. Second, he was establishing the Jewish guilt for Jesus’ death. In Acts, this is the basis of the evangelistic sermons to the Jews—you killed him; he died for you and rose again; now repent and be converted (Acts 2:36-38; 3:13-16; 13:26-41).

23:23-24 But the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded.^NLT Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd shouted louder and louder for Jesus’ death . . . so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his province. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being with rights and dignity.

23:25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.^NIV Pilate did not want to give Jesus the death sentence. He thought the Jewish leaders were simply jealous men who wanted to get rid of a rival. When they threatened to report Pilate to Caesar (John 19:12), however, Pilate became frightened. Historical records indicate that Pilate had already been warned by Roman authorities about tensions in this region. The last thing he needed was a riot in Jerusalem at Passover time when the city was crowded with Jews from all over the Empire. So Pilate released Barabbas, the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, and then surrendered Jesus to their will. One must wonder if Pilate ever questioned himself later—why he had allowed a mob to convince him to set a murderer free and execute an innocent man. Clearly Pilate was a man of little conviction and even less courage. But don’t forget the responsibility of these Jewish leaders who demanded that Jesus die—Matthew recorded that they accepted the responsibility, stating that Jesus’ blood could remain on them and on their children (Matthew 27:25).

Matthew’s Gospel explains that Pilate took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd to symbolize his innocence in condemning Jesus (Matthew 27:24), but this act was no more than self-deception. Jesus may have been surrendered to the will of the mob, but this was still a purely Roman execution. Pilate had to command it in order for it to happen. After releasing Barabbas, Pilate did allow Jesus to be flogged (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15) as part of the Roman legal code that demanded flogging before a capital sentence was carried out. The Romans did it to weaken the prisoner so that he would die more quickly on the cross. Jesus had predicted that he would be flogged (18:32).

 

ALMOST

Almost. It’s a sad word in any man’s dictionary.

“Almost.” It runs herd with “nearly,” “next time,” “if only,” and “just about.” It’s a word that smacks of missed opportunities, aborted efforts, and fumbled chances. It’s honorable mention, right field, on the bench, runnerup, and burnt cookies.

Almost. The one that got away. The sale that nearly closed. The gamble that almost paid off. Almost.

How many people do you know whose claim to fame is an almost?

• “Did I ever tell you about the time I almost was selected as the Employee of the Year?”
• “They say he almost made the big leagues.”
• “I caught a catfish that was taller than me! Well … almost.”

As long as there have been people, there have been almosts. People who almost won the battle, who almost climbed the mountain, who almost found the treasure.

One of the most famous “almost’s” is found in the Bible. Pilate. Yet, what he missed was far more significant than a catfish or an award.

He almost performed what would have been history’s greatest act of mercy. He almost pardoned the Prince of Peace. He almost released the Son of God. He almost opted to acquit the Christ. Almost. He had the power. He had the choice. He wore the signet ring. The option to free God’s Son was …. . and he did ….. al­most.

Almost. How many times do these six ugly letters find their way into despairing epitaphs?

• “He almost got it together.”
• “She almost chose not to leave him.”
• “They almost tried one more time.”
• “We almost worked it out.
• ‘He almost became a Christian.”

What is it that makes almost such a potent word? why is there such a wide gap between “he almost” and “he did”?

In the case of Pilate, we don’t have to look far to find an answer. It is Dr. Luke’s acute commentary in chap­ter 23 that provides the reason. Let’s tune in at verse 22: “A third time he [Pilate] said to them [the crowd], “why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no crime deserving death; I will therefore chastise him and release him.” But they were urgent, de­manding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed (italics mine, RSV).

You’re right, Luke. Their voices prevailed. And, as a result, Pilate’s pride prevailed. Pilate’s fear prevailed. Pilate’s power-hunger prevailed.

“Their” voices were not the only voices, you know. There were at least three others Pilate could have heard.

He could have heard the voice of Jesus. Pilate stood eye to eye with him. Five times he postponed the decision hoping to gratify the mob with policies or lashings. Yet Jesus was always sent back to him. Three times he stood eye to eye with this compelling Nazarene who had come to reveal the truth. “what is truth?” Pilate asked rhetorically (or was it honestly?). Jesus’ silence was much louder than the crowd’s demands. But Pilate didn’t listen.

He could have heard the voice of his wife. She pleaded with him to have nothing to do with that righ­teous man for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” One has to pause and wonder about the origin of such a dream that would cause a lady of purple to call a small-town Galilean righteous. But Pilate didn’t.

Or he could have heard his own voice. Surely he could see through the facade. “Ananias, Caiaphas, cut the phoney allegiance, you slobs; I know where your interests are.” Surely his conscience was speaking to him. “There is nothing wrong with this man. A bit mysterious maybe, but that’s no reason to string him up.”

He could have heard other voices. But he didn’t. He almost did. But he didn’t. Satan’s voices prevailed.

His voice often does prevail. Have you heard his wooings?

• “0ne time won’t hurt.”
• “She’ll never know.”
• “Other people do much worse things.”
• “At least you’re not being hypocritical.”

His rhetoric of rationalization never ends. The father of lies croons and woos like a traveling peddler, promising the moon and delivering disaster. “Step right up. Taste my brew of pleasure and sing my song ofsensu­ality. After all, who knows about tomorrow?”

God, meanwhile, never enters a shouting match with Satan. Truth need not scream. He stands perma­nently, quietly pleading, ever present. No tricks, no side shows, no temptations, just open proof.

People’s reactions vary. Some flow immediately to the peddler of poison. Others turn quickly to the Prince of Peace. Most of us, however, are caught somewhere in between, lingering on the edge of Satan’s crowd yet hover­ing within earshot of the message of God.

Pilate learned the hard way that this stance of “al­most” is suicidal. The other voices will win. Their lure is too strong. Their call too compelling. And Pilate also learned that there is no darker hell than the one of remorse. Washing your hands a thousand times won’t free you from the guilt of an opportunity ignored. It’s one thing to for-give yourself for something you did. It is something else to try to forgive yourself for something that you might have done, but didn’t.

Jesus knew that all along. For our own good, he demanded and demands absolute obedience. He never has had room for “almost” in his vocabulary. You are either with him or against him. With Jesus “nearly” has to be­come “certainly.” “Sometimes” has to become ‘(always.” “1f only” has to become “regardless.” And “next time” has to become   time.”

No, Jesus never had room for “almost” and he still doesn’t. “Almost” may count in horseshoes and hand grenades, but with the Master, it is just as good as a “never.”

From Holman Bible Dictionary

PILATE, PONTIUS (Pi’ luhte, Pahn’ shuhs) Roman governorof Judea remembered in history as a notorious anti-Semite and in Christian creeds as the magistrate under whom Jesus Christ “suffered” (1 Tim 6:13). The New Testament refers to him as “governor,” while other sources call him “procurator” or “prefect” (an inscription found in Caesarea in 1961). Pilate came to power about A.D. 26, close to the time when two of his contemporaries, Sejanus in Rome and Flaccus in Egypt, were pursuing policies apparently aimed at the destruction of the Jewish people. Pilate’s policies were much the same. His procuratorship consisted of one provocation of Jewish sensibilities after another. He broke all precedent by bringing into Jerusalem military insignia bearing the image of Caesar in flagrant defiance of Jewish law. He removed them only when the Jews offered to die at the hands of his soldiers rather than consent to such blasphemy. He brutally suppressed protest by planting armed soldiers, disguised as civilians, among the Jewish crowds. Against such a backdrop, it is not hard to understand the reference in Luke 13:1 to “The Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifice (NIV).” Pilate was finally removed from office as the result of a similar outrage against Samaritan worshipers who had gathered on Mount Gerizim, their holy mountain, to view some sacred vessels which they believed Moses had buried there. When the Samaritans complained to Vitellius, the governor of Syria, Pilate was ordered to Rome to account for his actions to the emperor and is not mentioned again in reliable contemporary sources.

In view of his record, it is surprising that Pilate allowed himself to be pressured by a group of Jewish religious authorities into allowing Jesus to be executed. A possible explanation is that he already felt his position in the empire to be in jeopardy (note the threat implicit in John 19:12). Pilate seems to have had no personal inclination to put Jesus to death, and the New Testament writers are eager to show that he did not (Luke 23:4, 14, 22; John 18:38; 19:4, 6; compare Matt. 17:19). The Gospel writers sought to demonstrate that Jesus was innocent from the standpoint of Roman law and that consequently Christianity in their day was not a threat to the Roman political and social order. The fact that Jesus was brought to Pilate at all probably means that He had not been formally tried and convicted by the Sanhedrin, or Jewish ruling Council (if he had, he would probably have been stoned to death like Stephen, or like James the Just in A.D. 62). Instead, a relatively small group of Jerusalem priests, including the high priest, wanted to forestall any kind of a messianic movement by the people because of the repression it would provoke from the Romans (see John 11:47-50, 53). They maneuvered Pilate into doing their work for them (compare Luke 23:2). Pilate is represented in all the Gospels as questioning Jesus especially on the subject of kingship, but he remained unconvinced that Jesus was in any way a serious claimant to Jewish or Roman political power. The inscription he insisted on placing over the cross according to all the Gospels was Pilate’s last grim joke at Jewish expense: “This is the King of the Jews.” Anti-Jewish to the end, Pilate was telling the world, “What a sorry race this is, with such a pitiful figure for their king!”

HEROD (Hehr’ uhd) The name given to the family ruling Palestine immediately before and to some degree during the first half of the first Christian century. Their family history was complex, and what information has come down has been frequently meager, conflicting, and difficult to harmonize. The chief sources are the references in the New Testament, the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, and a few obscure references by Roman historians, such as Dio Cassius, Plutarch, and Strabo.

The most prominent family member and ruler was Herod, son of Antipater who had been appointed governor of Idumea by Alexandra Salome, the Maccabean queen who ruled Palestine 78-69 B.C. With the permission of the Romans, Antipater left his son Phasael as Prefect of Jerusalem and his second son, Herod, governor of Galilee. See Intertestamental History.

Herod the Great. Herod the Great was born about the year 73 B.C. and was a son of the desert, well adapted to the political intrigues of ambition, lust for power, and efficiency at warfare. He made a trip to Rome and was confirmed by the Senate as “king of Judea” in the year 40 B.C. He routed some persistently threatening robber bands in Galilee and gained the esteem of the Romans and even the support of some of the Jews by his decisive action. He finally brought Jerusalem under his control in the year 37 B.C.

His rule of Judea is usually divided into three periods: (a) The Period of Consolidation (37-25 B.C.), (b) The Period of Prosperity (25-13 B.C.), and (c) The Period of Domestic Troubles (13-4 B.C.).

During the period of consolidation, he had many adversaries, coming from at least four fronts. Jewish people refused to support him because he was not a full-blooded Jew, but a descendant of Esau. Herod also had difficulties with the Hasmonean family. See Hasmoneans. Chief among them was Alexandra, the evil and vicious daughter of Hyrcanus II. She interceded with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, who brought pressure on Mark Antony in an effort to put Herod under her control. This constant intrigue multiplied as time progressed.

Charges were brought against various members of the family. Within a short time Herod had executed Hyrcanus II, the son of Alexandra Salome who had returned from exile, Hyrcanus’ daughter Alexandra, and her daughter Mariamne I, who was also Herod’s favorite wife, the one whom he deeply and passionately loved. Mariamne had Maccabean blood flowing through her veins, was most beautiful, and Herod’s hopes for establishing a dynasty rested with her and their two sons, Alexander and Aristobulus. Suspicious that Mariamne committed adultery and that her sons would use their Maccabean lineage for political advantage, Herod had them put to death. Herod also had executed Aristobulus III, son of Alexandra and brother of Mariamne soon after he was appointed by Herod to be high priest. Herod had him drowned at a celebration in Jericho soon after his inauguration.

Herod also faced an adversary in the person of Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, but his craftiness enabled him to maintain his independence from her. Herod was successful in ingratiating himself to the Romans. By sheer force of personality and lack of hesitancy in executing even the close members of his own family, he strengthened his position as undisputed ruler of Palestine under the permission of Roman authority.

The second period of Herod’s life involved the prosperity of his vast building programs. With the aid of the Romans the territory was extended to what had been unparalleled since the reign of Solomon (died 931 B.C.). His taxation of the people to support his building activity was extensive, but he virtually rebuilt every city in the land, even constructing entire cities from the ground up. He also built many palaces for himself.

Soon the now nearly four hundred-year-old Temple of Zerubbabel was pale in contrast to the magnificence of his new palaces and structures in Jerusalem. In the year 19 B.C. he embarked on an extensive remodeling of the Temple, which captured the imagination of the world of that day. It was frequently said that if one had not seen Herod’s Temple, he had never seen a truly beautiful building (compare John 2:19-20).

The periods of Herod’s life overlapped to some degree, but it was from the years 13-4 B.C. that his domestic troubles intensified and preoccupied him. Antipater, his firstborn son, and Salome, his sister, continually agitated the household and brought accusations against Alexander and Aristobulus, the sons of Herod and Mariamne. Finally, the charges of sedition could not be ignored. Herod brought charges against them before the Emperor in the year 12 B.C. Herod finally gave the order, and in 7 B.C. they were carried to Sebaste (Samaria) and strangled. Antipater continued to be an ambitious thorn in Herod’s side. On his deathbed Herod gave the orders to execute Antipater, fearing that he would take the throne even before Herod himself died. Antipater was executed immediately. Herod himself died five days later (4 B.C.). He was seventy years old, a man racked with ill health and mental deterioration, now thought by some to be a form of progressive arteriosclerosis. He had reigned for 37 years since his confirmation by the Senate and 34 years since his capture of Jerusalem.

Herod, of course, was king of Judea under the Roman authority when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). He received the Wise Men and sent them on to the Christ child with orders to return to him and let him know where he could find the newly born “King of the Jews” (Matt. 2:2-8). He gave the orders to kill the babies of Bethlehem two years old and under, in hopes of getting this One whom he saw as a successor to his throne (Matt. 2:16).

Herod had several wills. His final one designated Archelaus to succeed him as king of Judea (Matt. 2:22), another son Antipas to be tetrarch (governor) of Galilee and Perea, and another son Philip as tetrarch of the Northeastern Districts. The Romans banished Archelaus after a ten-year rule, and the kingdom was then transformed into an Imperial Province of the Roman Empire with Coponius as the first procurator (governor). Antipas continued to rule Galilee and Perea and was the one who had John the Baptist put to death (Matt. 14:1-12; Mark 6:16-29; Luke 9:9). Also, Jesus appeared before him during his trial, as Pilate the procurator sent Jesus to him for a possible decision (Luke 23:6-12).

See picture, This aqueduct built by Herod the Great brought fresh water to Caesarea Maritima.

Other Herods named in the New Testament include the following:

Agrippa I, the son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod. He ruled with the title of king from A.D. 41-44. Agrippa I ordered James the son of Zebedee killed with the sword and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-23).

Agrippa II, the son of Agrippa I, heard Paul’s defense (Acts 25:13-27; compare Acts 26:32). With his death the Herodian dynasty came to an end, in title as well as in fact.

Drusilla (Acts 24:24) was the third and youngest daughter of Agrippa I. She had been married briefly at age 14 to Azizus, king of Emessa, probably in the year 52. In 53 or 54 she was married to Felix, the Roman procurator.

Bernice was the sister of Drusilla and Agrippa II, and also his wife. Paul appeared before them in Acts 25.

Herod Philip was the son of Herod the Great and Cleopatra of Jerusalem (Luke 3:1). He built Caesarea Philippi and was governor of the Northeastern districts of Iturea, Gaulinitis, Trachonitis, and Decapolis. He was married to Salome, the daughter of Herodias.

A Herod Philip is mentioned in Mark 6:17 as the first husband of Herodias. In some places he is mentioned simply as Herod, or Herod II. Most scholars do not believe that he was the same person as the governor of the northeastern districts.

Herodias (Matt. 14:3) was the daughter of Aristobulus (son of Herod and Mariamne I) and Bernice, the daughter of Herod’s sister, Salome. She was the second wife of Herod Antipas and called for the head of John the Baptist (Matt. 14:3-12; Mark 6:17-29; compare Luke 3:19-20).

Salome was the daughter of Herodias. She was married to Philip. After his death in 34, she married a relative Aristobulus, prince of Chalcis and had three children (Matt. 14:6-12; Mark 6:22-29).

Herod was a paradox. He was one of the most cruel rulers of all history. His reputation has been largely one of infamy. He seemed fiercely loyal to that which he did believe in. He did not hesitate to murder members of his own family when he deemed that they posed a threat to him. Yet marital unfaithfulness and drunkenness did not seem to be among his vices. Because of his effective administration, he virtually made Palestine what it was in the first Christian century. He has gone down in history as “the Great,” yet that epithet can only be applied to him as his personality and accomplishments are compared to others of his family.