Who Killed Jesus? (#176 of 365+)

“All the people answered, ‘Let his blood be on us and on our children!’” (Matthew 27:25)

The crowd cried out for the release of a known criminal and for
Jesus Christ to be condemned to death by a Roman cross. I heard a radio preacher the other day say the reason Pilate literally washed his hands of the matter was because it was a symbol the Jewish people would understand. He made it clear to them that he was not guilty of that man’s blood.

Joni said everyone, “Herod, Pilate, the soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd—and you and I” are all morally culpable for Christ’s death sentence because of our sin. Yet God was always sovereign over the surrounding events. Even though the betrayal and arrest of Jesus was a secret plot between Judas Iscariot and the religious leaders God knew about it all along (John 13:28). All the terrible things that happened fit into the Father's great plan of redemption. He in effect killed a willing Jesus so we could have eternal life with him.

Much of these events were foretold hundreds of years before through the prophet Isaiah.

“The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6)

“It was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer” (Isaiah 53:10)

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)

Lord Jesus, as we approach Easter the events surrounding your crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection will be foremost on our minds. May your Church not become distracted by news or world events during this time, and stir us up with the Holy Spirit so we don’t keep the wonderful news of the gospel to ourselves. Give believers a fresh understanding of your love. I pray that thousands in this city who have never heard the truth will hear it now during this season. Prepare hearts and prepare the way for people I know to accept my invitation to attend church this Easter Sunday. Amen.