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I Find No Guilt - Luke 23
I Find No Guilt - Luke 23
The Jewish leaders recognized the authority of Roman rule over them, so they plotted to have Pilate put Jesus to death. Upon examining Jesus and their charges against Him, Pilate kept responding: “I find not guilt”! This was not finding Jesus sinless before God, although THAT is also true (cp. Heb. 4:15; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5), but He was found without guilt concerning Roman law and their death penalty.
Luke 23:4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man."
Luke 23:14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.
Luke 23:22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him."
This was also recorded by John: John 18:38, 19:14, 6.
YET, the Jewish rulers kept yelling ‘crucify Him’… until finally Pilate gave in unto mob rule.
Who then is guilty of causing the death of Jesus? The Jewish rulers – ‘let His blood be upon our heads”. Pilate tried to wash his hands of this blood, but he gave in and allowed (causing) the crucifixion. Yet, this death upon the cross was for OUR SINS. My sin!
While we are often abhorred by the thought of His death, yet it is only through such death that we have been reconciled unto God. Such mixed emotions! In the end, let us bow our heads and give thanks unto God for this unspeakable sacrifice.
Hugh DeLong
