13th April - Jesus on Trial

Luke 23:1-25

Jesus Before Pilate

23 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Jesus Before Herod

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 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.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

Reflections by Deacon Jason “J Pak” Pak

I was born and raised in a Christian family. I attended Church with my family and treated Sundays just like another school day. During my primary school days, I was convicted and was afraid when I learnt that if you commit sin, you will be punished. However later on, I came to realise Jesus who died on the cross, to save us from our sins, and if we believe in Jesus, we will be forgiven and have eternal life. This truth gave me complete assurance, leading me to believe in Jesus with all my heart. Church was no longer a school to me but rather I was eager to gather to joyfully praise and learn about God!

Throughout my time at SOW, and HCC, surrounded by faithful brothers and sisters, I gradually learnt more and more about the Scriptures, God’s character, theology, redemptive plan, his grace, and why resurrection was crucial. It truly felt like more pieces of the puzzle were filling in.

What jumps out at you from this reading?
I was astounded by the multiple ironies throughout the trial.

Firstly, chief priests and scribes originally accused Jesus of blasphemy then shifted the issue to be more of a political threat, to charge Jesus guilty.

Secondly, Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent but eventually chose to please the crowd. Herod also cannot find any guilt however he was rather keen to see Jesus performing signs.

Finally, the crowd preferred to release Barabbas, who was guilty of robbery, insurrection and murder, over Jesus who was innocent.

What questions does this reading raise for you?

After reading this I asked myself, “Why did Jesus not do anything to defend himself, as he was innocent?” ”Why was he silent?” 

If I was in Jesus’ place, I would be so frustrated and defensive if I was falsely accused, mocked, and witnessed my opposition desperately wanting me to be punished, leading to a death sentence.

What do you think the writer is urging his readers to believe or do?
The writer is showing us how essential it was for Jesus to take this path of crucifixion, despite the false accusations and mockery. This was the path that the Son of Man took to accomplish the ultimate goal, obeying the Father. Saviour, who will die on our behalf.

What in this reading would you talk about with a friend and why?

Despite all the dreadful moments Jesus had to endure, which he did not deserve; this was all part of God’s redemptive plan to save his people. This trial, which led to Jesus’ death on the cross, was vital for God to fulfill his salvation plan, promised throughout the Scriptures!