SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they struck him in the face. 4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”
OBSERVATION: Pilate had just declared that he found no fault in Jesus, yet he had Jesus flogged! (Note: John (NIV) 18:38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.)
There was no justice for Jesus, even from those who saw that he was innocent and had the power to protect that innocence.
But in reality, justice was being carried out. Jesus was guilty, not because He had sinned, but because I had sinned; He suffered and died for my sinful actions and my guilt! It was necessary that Jesus be declared innocent; His death clearly did not pay for His sins; His death covers my sins.
APPLICATION: Oh, how important it is for us that the judge, that Pilate declared Jesus innocent. And even more important that the JUDGE, the Almighty Holy One in heaven saw His innocence and now applies His death to cover my sins, to pay my sin debt!
PRAYER: Lord, you were innocent and declared guiltless, yet you willingly suffered and gave your life, taking my place, suffering what I deserved. In these days, as we celebrate your birth, may I remember why you came. My life is such a small gift in relation to the gift you have given me. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 