Easter MattersSample

Written by Ben Hewitt - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Ballarat

I really don’t like it when I get the blame for something I didn’t do. Justice burns within me, and I want to tell everyone who’ll listen why this is not fair: I didn’t leave the door unlocked; I didn’t leave the oven on; I didn’t do it, don’t blame me!

Despite the pressure they’ve applied, Jesus’ accusers have not convinced Herod and they’ve not convinced Pilate. Both have grilled him and both found him to be innocent. Case closed, surely? There’s one last chance for the Jewish leaders to get what they want — through mob mentality. They knew Jerusalem would be full of Jews for the Passover. They knew the Romans would be on high alert, wary of riots. They knew Pilate would do whatever he can to keep the mob onside. So the instruction goes around: crucify Jesus, release Barabbas. The crowd cry out as one, Crucify, crucify him!

Their voices prevailed.

Pilate gives in, and delivers Jesus over to their will. He knows Jesus is not to blame for these accusations, but keeping the peace matters more in that moment. Barabbas is released, and Jesus will die. And, right there is where we find the heart of the gospel. Jesus — innocent of all charges — takes the place of man known to be a violent criminal. Jesus, a substitute for someone deserving of death. We may not be Barabbas but we have failed to love God and to love others as we should. We have fallen short of perfect. We need a substitute to take our place of punishment, and give us life. We need Jesus.

Today ponder this:

Before we condemn Pilate as a coward, think for a moment. How often are we swayed by the crowd? How important is public opinion to us? How willing are we to risk ‘peace’ for the sake of standing up for Jesus? Ask him for his forgiveness, and he will grant it!