He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1 Peter 2:19-22 (ESV)
Christ Suffered Even Before He was Crucified
As we approach the fifth installment of our Live @ Lunch Bible Study series on God and Government, we have to take a look at the subject of the Savior. It is difficult to discuss how Christians should conduct themselves without shedding some light on how the Savior acted within the realm of earthly laws and in the midst of religious corruption during His lifetime. In essence, we look deeper at how Jesus was criminalized in order to be crucified.
No Christians Without Crucifixion
Argue whatever point you care to, it really does not change the fact that Jesus came to save and sacrifice Himself for the sake of others receiving salvation. That’s the simplest summary sentence I can offer for the coming of the Messiah in order to become Lord and Savior to those who were dead in sin and darkness. That’s the best that I can give you. After all, it was the prophet Isaiah who shared that His stripes and being stricken was for our redemption.
Look at Jesus Criminalized Differently
Take into account how Jesus was criminalized. Roman soldiers on patrol did not find fault in this Nazarian rabbi and His ragtag band of followers. The local governor did not send out a decree and sign a warrant for the arrest of Jesus Christ of Nazareth who posed a potential danger and threat to Caesar or its citizenry. The common people in the marketplace were not thrown off by Jesus and teachings throughout the region of the Sea of Galilee and beyond.
No, it was the religious elite of His time who sought to take out Jesus. In fact, John’s Gospel account gives us an indication that they also sought to take out Lazarus as evidence of His power which caused others to see and believe in His claims as the Messiah, the Son of Man. Their plot had been in the making and awaiting an opportunity to “put Him to death.”
I love the way that this whole thing played out. In light of what positions these men held (priests, scribes, and elders), the stance that they took should shock the believer to his or her core. Aside from dipping into the treasury for 30 pieces of silver to pay the betrayer of Jesus and the usage of the betrayer’s intel to capture Jesus in the dark of night, these folks had a plot to get rid of Jesus for good. And they knew that they could not do it themselves, citing that it was unlawful for them to put a man to death.
Tune in to Learn More
We have covered God and government for 4 weeks already and seek to share more. Today’s lesson is all about how Jesus was both criminalized and crucified. Gain some more insights by checking out our lesson available online for download.