89. THE FATE CHANGER SUFFERED FOR YOU!If someone else pays a debt for you is it a shame or a blessing?
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When we think of the word self-sacrifice, what comes to mind? Do you think of a mother staying up all night to care for her sick child? Do you think of a father selling the family summer home to pay for his son's university education? It is true that both of these acts require self-sacrifice. What then would be the ultimate self- sacrifice? Yes, you were right! The ultimate form of self-sacrifice is much greater than laying aside our desires or wishes, doing something inconvenient, or selling something to pay a bill. It means giving up our own life for the benefit of others. Before we read about the greatest display of self-sacrifice in the history of the world, lets review a piece of history that we will never forget.
The weeks leading up to April 25, 1915 had been tense. The Turkish soldiers encamped along the Dardanelles knew that a major battle was imminent. They felt the first blows in February during a French and British naval attack on the northern end of the peninsula. This was followed by a major offensive in mid-March. The sounds of exploding shells, the cries of wounded soldiers, the blood stained soil, and grumble in their stomachs were constant reminders of the costs of war. Their supplies were low, food was being rationed, and ammunition was scarce. But they still held the high ground and had thwarted the enemy’s attempt to cut the peninsula in half.
At the same time, on their boats and in their of ces in faraway lands, the Allied Powers’ morale was high and their victory assured. True, they had suffered great losses in the previous attacks. But they were con dent that another naval attack supported by ground forces would open the way to Istanbul. So, they began to assemble their forces and make preparations in Egypt.
With very little intelligence and contact to the outside world, the Central Powers also began preparations. Unfortunately while the commanders of the Turkish forces were discussing their strategies a disagreement broke out. They didn’t know where the Allied Forc- es would attack nor where they should station their troops. If they made the wrong decision it could be fatal. Although they didn’t ac- curately predict the location of the largest attack they were able to prepare the beaches, build roads, and transport troops. But nothing could prepare them for what they saw and experienced the morning of April 25!
When the first beams of the sun’s light came over the horizon, they could see hundreds of ships anchored in the sea. Soldiers were being carried to the beaches and alarms were sounding. The calmness of dawn and the sounds of chirping birds were drowned out by gun re and cannons. Can you imagine how our troops felt when they saw thousands of Allied men approaching the beaches and hillsides from all directions? Add to that the fact that they had almost no ammunition. Many of the soldiers probably knew that the sunrise of April 25 would be their last!
Almost 2000 years ago, in spite of all that Jesus had said to prepare his disciples they too couldn’t believe what was happening. The teacher, prophet, and man that they had lived with for three years was gone. He had been arrested in the night like a common criminal, betrayed by a close friend, and taken away like a prisoner of war. The dreams of an earthly kingdom were shattered. The expulsion of the Romans from Israel a passing thought.
In the middle of that dark, hopeless night all the disciples had fled in fear except for John and Peter. They had followed the temple guards to a secret meeting where the high priest planned to question Jesus.
After a friend let John in, he witnessed the events as they unfolded.
He was shocked to hear the priests’ accusations and see that Jesus didn’t ght back or even try to defend himself. Let’s read his ac- count in John chapter 18 verses 19-21:
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
In the field, on hill tops and mountainsides, even in the Temple Jesus openly spoke the truths that God gave him. He had no secrets or secret agenda. He had nothing to hide. His simple response was the only challenge he made. Jesus knew the law; he was God’s Word! According to the Old Testament, even the priests needed at least two witnesses to convict someone of a crime. In essence, Jesus was saying
“You and everyone else know what I have been saying. If I have done as you claim, where are the witnesses? Go get them!”
If the high priest’s voice tone and accusations weren’t shocking enough, how do you think John felt when he saw the events re- corded in verses 22 and 23:
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the of cers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
A guard, a sinner, hit the sinless Jesus Christ in the face! Did you notice what Jesus did? He didn’t hit the man back. He didn’t yell. He calmly looked at the man and asked him why he hit him. We don’t get hit in the face very often, but sometimes people say rude things. What did you do the last time someone offended you?
With the same voice that calmed the storm and called Lazarus from the grave, Jesus could have condemned that man to eternal destruction. He could have called forth angels to kill him. But instead he asked the man to justify his actions. Jesus never developed sinful traits of revenge, spite, or hatred. He was a man like no other.
At the time, the Jewish authorities weren’t allowed to administer the death penalty because they were under Roman occupation. Therefore they had to send Jesus to the local governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate had the ultimate authority to do as he pleased, he also had to keep the province of Judaea under control. Thus under constant threat of insurrection, Pilate became a master of compromise, a shrewd politician.
Let’s see what happened when Jesus was taken as a prisoner to the high court of Pilate in John chapter 18 verses 28-32:
28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be de led; but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusa- tion bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 That the saying of Jesus might be ful lled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
If there had been any doubt as to why the Sanhedrin arrested Jesus, there shouldn’t be any now. It is obvious from their own statements that they wanted to kill Jesus. Sadly, they were so worried about re- maining ceremonially clean for the Passover that they forgot murder is a sin! Let’s continue with verses 33-35:
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation
and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Sometimes reading these verses is like watching a bad movie. You just want to yell out,
“He hasn’t done anything worthy of death! This is God’s Word in human esh. He healed the blind, calmed the storm, cast out demons, and brought the dead back to life. Can't you see that Jesus isn't an ordinary man?”
As for Jesus being a king, let’s look at how he responded to Pilate’s question. We can read it in John chapter 18 verses 36 and 37:
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my king- dom were of this world, then would my servants ght, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
It is clear from Jesus’ statement that he is a king; but not the kind that we typically think of. At the time, many Jews thought the Mes- siah would come to destroy the Romans and set up a new Jewish kingdom. But Jesus’ statement makes it clear that their thoughts were wrong. He didn’t come to establish a worldly kingdom. No, he was focused on something greater, the kingdom of God which resides in heaven and on the new earth and in the hearts of all who love God. Before we continue the story in Matthew let’s read verse 38 in John chapter 18:
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
What is truth? We live in a time when people are more confused about truth than ever before. They say that truth is relative to cul- ture, time, and living conditions. They say that what may be truth for you isn't for them. Well, water quenches thirst and bread nour- ishes the body. There is truth and it can be found.
In a previous lesson, Jesus said He was the way, truth, and life.
Pilate didn’t realize that Truth was standing right in front of him! Jesus was the exclamation point of all that the prophets had ever written. He was the arrowhead of God's efforts to eradicate evil from the universe. Truth was not only knowable, it was visible and alive in the person of Jesus Christ.
Now let’s move to the book of Matthew and pick up the story again in chapter 27 verses 15-19:
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”
Pilate knew from Jesus' noble yet humble manner, that he wasn’t a criminal worthy of the death penalty. He also didn’t want to con- demn a man that seemed so harmless. Sure his teachings were radical, maybe even spiritually revolutionary. But he hadn’t hurt anyone or threatened the Roman Empire. As if that weren’t enough, God spoke to his wife in a dream and warned him not to get involved with this charade. Unfortunately, Pilate was already in too deep. As he stood there in front of the crowd he said,
“Who do you want me to release: Barabbas or Jesus?”
Barabbas was a member of the zealots who supported the use of vio- lence to obtain independence from the Romans. In fact, he had led a rebellion and been arrested for murder. Who would you choose to free, the murderer or the sinless prophet? Seems like an easy choice to make. Let’s see what the crowd said in verses 20-23:
20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Unbelievable! The people begged for the freedom of a murderer and the execution of a righteous man. Where was God? Why was he allowing this to happen? He was allowing this to happen because it was part of the plan that went all the way back to the Garden of Eden. A plan that was unfolding before their very eyes. We can continue reading in Matthew 27 verses 24-26:
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucifued.
When Pilate washed his hands, he thought that it would remove the guilt of condemning an innocent man. But as a leader he couldn’t do that. He too had a choice to make. In spite of the people’s request, he could have made the right decision. Unfortunately he was more concerned with pleasing man than following the truth. But then again, Pilate himself didn’t know what truth was. Sadly, if you read about Pilate’s later life, you will learn that he committed suicide.
In verse 26, it says that Jesus was scourged. It is very important that we understand what this means. The Roman tradition was to whip a criminal before he was executed. The whip consisted of a handle with two or three cords. Interspersed throughout the cords were pieces of sharp metal usually zinc and iron. You can imagine what someone’s back would look like after receiving several blows. His skin would be ripped off, his muscles exposed; he would lose massive amounts of blood, and be so weak he could barely walk. The only thing the convict would want to do is die. But the Romans would stop before that happened. They had to save the convict for the of cial punishment, crucifixion.
In the remainder of this lesson, you will read some shocking verses. Some people will say that this could never happen to a prophet of God. They believe that God would never allow it to happen. But we have seen time and time again that God’s Word doesn’t lie nor is any man strong enough to change God's word. What we will read are simply the facts. So let’s lay aside our preconceived ideas, personal thoughts, and doubts. Let’s read what the Bible says and try to see how the following events ful ll Bible prophecy. With honor and love for Jesus, let us reluctantly read verses 27-31:
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the gover- nor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
Should we even attempt to explain what we just read? Five actions are highlighted in the verses above. The soldiers took off Jesus’
clothes, pressed a crown of thorns onto his head, mocked him, spit on him, and struck him. Remember he was already weak from the beating, hadn’t eaten or drank anything since the previous night, and was bleeding profusely. Can you imagine the pain he felt when they took off his clothes? There was probably esh stuck to the cloth. Can you imagine the look of hatred, jealousy, and moral deprav- ity on those soldiers’ faces? What could make them do it? Sin! Although we don’t want to admit it, it is the same sin that is in you and me. The same sin that makes us do the things that we regret and are ashamed of.
Jesus is God’s Word and the personi cation of God’s law and righ- teousness on this earth because he never sinned. When we violate God’s law by sinning (e.g., lying, disobeying our parents, stealing, not keeping the Sabbath holy, etc.) we are mocking, spitting on, and slapping Jesus Christ! According to the Bible, the only thing that can atone for our sin is blood.55 That is why our ancestors sacrificed animals. But the animals' blood didn't really make atone- ment for their sin. They were only a symbol of the ultimate sacri ce that would bless the whole world.56 Let’s see what happened next in verses 32-36:
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had cruci ed him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
In the Roman world, cruci xion was the worst punishment imaginable. It was reserved for the lowliest criminals. Therefore it was normal for people to watch the spectacle, mock the criminal, and serve as witnesses to the criminal’s penalty. Jesus the Messiah, the
Good Shepherd, the Word of God, the Changer of Fate was the focal point of such a spectacle.
Jesus was so exhausted after the beating that he couldn’t carry his cross the whole way to Golgotha. His shoulders couldn’t bear the weight of that wooden beam and even if he could hold it, the blood on his shoulders and back would have made it slide off. He stag- gered, fell, got up, and maybe even crawled at times. He knew this was going to happen months in advance. He knew where he was going. But most importantly he was going willingly!
Have you ever hammered a nail into a piece of wood? You lift up the hammer while holding the nail with your other hand. As you bring the hammer down, you strike the nail head as hard as you can. The sound of steel on steel makes a loud ping. When the Roman soldiers stretched Jesus out over that wooden cross, they drove nails into the wood. But before the nails hit wood, they had to pass through Jesus’ wrists and feet first.
We can’t even begin to imagine how painful it was. The nails severed tendons, ligaments, and nerves. They were the only things holding Jesus on the cross as the soldiers lifted him up. As gravity pulled his body down making it impossible to breathe, Jesus would arch his back and pull with those wounded arms. Time and again, he pulled himself up just to get one breath. At the same time, people were walking by and taunting him.
Do you know what Jesus said when the soldiers nailed him to the cross? Let’s nd out in Luke chapter 23 verse 34:
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Jesus asked God to forgive the soldiers, the priests, and the mockers! Pause and think about that for a moment.
In his time of trial, when he was being murdered, Jesus was concerned about his killers’ salvation. He knew that the soldiers didn’t understand what was happening. In their eyes, Jesus was just another unruly, problem-causing Jewish man. Little did they know that by the end of the day, they would learn who he really is.
Let’s continue in Matthew chapter 27 with verses 37-44:
37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were cruci ed with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Unfortunately this wasn’t a bad movie or a made up story. Jesus was beaten, nailed to a cross, and ridiculed. If you could paint a picture showing the result of humanity's sin, it would surely be this image: God's appointed Messiah nailed naked to a cross on the top of a hill. Let’s follow this story to its end by reading verses 45-50:
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, lled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
In the middle of the day the sky grew dark. For three hours there was no sunlight. After hours of agonizing pain, Jesus cried out to God. Through the years there have been many interpretations of Jesus’ statement. But they all come to the same conclusion. Jesus was feeling something he never felt before. He felt alone and abandoned.
For three years he told people of his oneness with God. He likened God to his father and was constantly doing as he was commanded. But hanging on the cross, Jesus felt like a chasm had separated him from God. He was no longer connected to the Source of Life. In light of Jesus’ clean record, that is his sinlessness, we have to wonder why. Jesus didn’t do anything to deserve this punishment. Not once did he ever break God’s law! So there must be another reason.
The night before, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked God if “this cup” could be taken from him57. In the Bible, God’s judgment is often portrayed as a cup filled with pestilence, wrath, and destruction.58 If Jesus didn’t sin, why would he be drinking from the cup of God’s wrath?
This next statement might be a little shocking. Jesus, on behalf of every human being, was experiencing God’s full judgment of sin. This is why he felt alone and separate from God. There can’t be any other reason. Think about it! Jesus went to the cross willingly. He suffered the penalty of death for nothing more than being a righteous man. Just as the Israelites had to sacrifice perfect sheep, Jesus gave himself as a perfect sacri ce. John the Baptist called him the “Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world."59 Jesus was the epitome of self-sacrifice. He was the last sacri ce, the one that had been predicted on the day that Adam and Eve rst sinned. He suffered the penalty of sin, so that we wouldn’t have to.
On April 25, 1915 every Turkish man, woman, and child wasn’t at Çanakkale. But they were in the hearts of every soldier that dug a trench, endured the cold nights, and stood guard. When the enemy began to climb the hillsides and defeat seemed a forgone conclu-
sion, a young general stepped forward. He knew the enemies had more soldiers, better weapons, and abundant supplies. But he also knew that they didn’t have something that our soldiers did; the desire to save what was rightfully theirs and to protect their people and homeland.
As the enemy was advancing up the hill, Mustafa Kemal was determined to hold them back. If they couldn't, the war would most likely be lost. There was no time to lose, a decision had to be made quickly. The 57th regiment had to hold the line until reinforcements came. But how could they do that when they had no ammunition and the soldiers were weak from not eating? There was only way, but it would be costly. The soldiers would have to ght face to face and stop the enemy with their bare hands. Perhaps their sacrifice would give the reinforcements enough time to arrive.
But how could he give the order knowing that mothers would lose the sons that they had nursed, raised, and entrusted to him? How could he send them to their deaths? Was there any other option? Which would be harder, to give the order to die or to carry it out? Yes, it had to be done. The whole nation depended on this action.
Mustafa Kemal turned to the soldiers of the 57th regiment, told them to return to the front lines, and commanded them to attack the enemy. He sent them off with this statement,
“I send you not to fight, but to die.”
How would you have felt to be one of those soldiers charging into certain death? Would you have been able to do it? If you believed with all your heart that you were doing something greater than yourself and that you were saving your family and your nation, you too would have run into the battle. What did the men of the 57th do?
They willingly ran to their death.
As God’s Word60, Jesus willingly left heaven, was born as a baby, lived a human life, and died on the cross. He was sent to die! He paid the ultimate price for your sin, separation from God, so that you could be with God.
Just as Jesus’ birth was a supernatural event, so too was his death. Let’s see what happened by reading Matthew 27 verses 51 and 54:
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were lled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
The curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple was torn in two. There was no longer separation be- tween God and man. Jesus had nally paid the price for every person’s sin and provided a direct path to the Father.
As the sun turned black and the earth shook in salute to Jesus' last breath, one of the Roman soldiers who had gambled for his clothes recognized that supernatural events were taking place all around him. He looked up at the lifeless face of Jesus Christ and exclaimed,
“Surely this was the Son of God!”
Discussion Questions
1. What is truth?
2. Do you realize that when Jesus questioned the guard about his actions, it was a form of judgment? Jesus said that he was given the
authority to judge people’s sins. What will you say when he asks you about the bad things you have done?
3. Jesus asked God to forgive the people who condemned and murdered him. Do you realize that he will ask God to forgive your sins too?
4. Do you see that Jesus' death was necessary? Why did he have to die?
5. Jesus died on Passover. Do you remember what the blood of the lamb did for those who spread it on their doorposts in Egypt?
6. How does Jesus’ death forgive your sins? How could one man serve the penalty for someone else’s offense?
7. Jesus the Bread of Life hung on the cross like a bag of bread hanging on a tree beside a dumpster. In the light of that image, does it give new meaning to the phrase “bread is a blessing from God”? Every time you see bread suspended above the ground, think
about the Son of Man, the Bread of Life, who was lifted up and what he did for us!
55 Lev. 17
56 Genesis 3
57 Luke 22:42
58 Psalm 75:8
59 John 1:29
60 John 1:1
The weeks leading up to April 25, 1915 had been tense. The Turkish soldiers encamped along the Dardanelles knew that a major battle was imminent. They felt the first blows in February during a French and British naval attack on the northern end of the peninsula. This was followed by a major offensive in mid-March. The sounds of exploding shells, the cries of wounded soldiers, the blood stained soil, and grumble in their stomachs were constant reminders of the costs of war. Their supplies were low, food was being rationed, and ammunition was scarce. But they still held the high ground and had thwarted the enemy’s attempt to cut the peninsula in half.
At the same time, on their boats and in their of ces in faraway lands, the Allied Powers’ morale was high and their victory assured. True, they had suffered great losses in the previous attacks. But they were con dent that another naval attack supported by ground forces would open the way to Istanbul. So, they began to assemble their forces and make preparations in Egypt.
With very little intelligence and contact to the outside world, the Central Powers also began preparations. Unfortunately while the commanders of the Turkish forces were discussing their strategies a disagreement broke out. They didn’t know where the Allied Forc- es would attack nor where they should station their troops. If they made the wrong decision it could be fatal. Although they didn’t ac- curately predict the location of the largest attack they were able to prepare the beaches, build roads, and transport troops. But nothing could prepare them for what they saw and experienced the morning of April 25!
When the first beams of the sun’s light came over the horizon, they could see hundreds of ships anchored in the sea. Soldiers were being carried to the beaches and alarms were sounding. The calmness of dawn and the sounds of chirping birds were drowned out by gun re and cannons. Can you imagine how our troops felt when they saw thousands of Allied men approaching the beaches and hillsides from all directions? Add to that the fact that they had almost no ammunition. Many of the soldiers probably knew that the sunrise of April 25 would be their last!
Almost 2000 years ago, in spite of all that Jesus had said to prepare his disciples they too couldn’t believe what was happening. The teacher, prophet, and man that they had lived with for three years was gone. He had been arrested in the night like a common criminal, betrayed by a close friend, and taken away like a prisoner of war. The dreams of an earthly kingdom were shattered. The expulsion of the Romans from Israel a passing thought.
In the middle of that dark, hopeless night all the disciples had fled in fear except for John and Peter. They had followed the temple guards to a secret meeting where the high priest planned to question Jesus.
After a friend let John in, he witnessed the events as they unfolded.
He was shocked to hear the priests’ accusations and see that Jesus didn’t ght back or even try to defend himself. Let’s read his ac- count in John chapter 18 verses 19-21:
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
In the field, on hill tops and mountainsides, even in the Temple Jesus openly spoke the truths that God gave him. He had no secrets or secret agenda. He had nothing to hide. His simple response was the only challenge he made. Jesus knew the law; he was God’s Word! According to the Old Testament, even the priests needed at least two witnesses to convict someone of a crime. In essence, Jesus was saying
“You and everyone else know what I have been saying. If I have done as you claim, where are the witnesses? Go get them!”
If the high priest’s voice tone and accusations weren’t shocking enough, how do you think John felt when he saw the events re- corded in verses 22 and 23:
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the of cers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
A guard, a sinner, hit the sinless Jesus Christ in the face! Did you notice what Jesus did? He didn’t hit the man back. He didn’t yell. He calmly looked at the man and asked him why he hit him. We don’t get hit in the face very often, but sometimes people say rude things. What did you do the last time someone offended you?
With the same voice that calmed the storm and called Lazarus from the grave, Jesus could have condemned that man to eternal destruction. He could have called forth angels to kill him. But instead he asked the man to justify his actions. Jesus never developed sinful traits of revenge, spite, or hatred. He was a man like no other.
At the time, the Jewish authorities weren’t allowed to administer the death penalty because they were under Roman occupation. Therefore they had to send Jesus to the local governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate had the ultimate authority to do as he pleased, he also had to keep the province of Judaea under control. Thus under constant threat of insurrection, Pilate became a master of compromise, a shrewd politician.
Let’s see what happened when Jesus was taken as a prisoner to the high court of Pilate in John chapter 18 verses 28-32:
28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be de led; but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusa- tion bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: 32 That the saying of Jesus might be ful lled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
If there had been any doubt as to why the Sanhedrin arrested Jesus, there shouldn’t be any now. It is obvious from their own statements that they wanted to kill Jesus. Sadly, they were so worried about re- maining ceremonially clean for the Passover that they forgot murder is a sin! Let’s continue with verses 33-35:
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation
and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
Sometimes reading these verses is like watching a bad movie. You just want to yell out,
“He hasn’t done anything worthy of death! This is God’s Word in human esh. He healed the blind, calmed the storm, cast out demons, and brought the dead back to life. Can't you see that Jesus isn't an ordinary man?”
As for Jesus being a king, let’s look at how he responded to Pilate’s question. We can read it in John chapter 18 verses 36 and 37:
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my king- dom were of this world, then would my servants ght, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
It is clear from Jesus’ statement that he is a king; but not the kind that we typically think of. At the time, many Jews thought the Mes- siah would come to destroy the Romans and set up a new Jewish kingdom. But Jesus’ statement makes it clear that their thoughts were wrong. He didn’t come to establish a worldly kingdom. No, he was focused on something greater, the kingdom of God which resides in heaven and on the new earth and in the hearts of all who love God. Before we continue the story in Matthew let’s read verse 38 in John chapter 18:
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
What is truth? We live in a time when people are more confused about truth than ever before. They say that truth is relative to cul- ture, time, and living conditions. They say that what may be truth for you isn't for them. Well, water quenches thirst and bread nour- ishes the body. There is truth and it can be found.
In a previous lesson, Jesus said He was the way, truth, and life.
Pilate didn’t realize that Truth was standing right in front of him! Jesus was the exclamation point of all that the prophets had ever written. He was the arrowhead of God's efforts to eradicate evil from the universe. Truth was not only knowable, it was visible and alive in the person of Jesus Christ.
Now let’s move to the book of Matthew and pick up the story again in chapter 27 verses 15-19:
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”
Pilate knew from Jesus' noble yet humble manner, that he wasn’t a criminal worthy of the death penalty. He also didn’t want to con- demn a man that seemed so harmless. Sure his teachings were radical, maybe even spiritually revolutionary. But he hadn’t hurt anyone or threatened the Roman Empire. As if that weren’t enough, God spoke to his wife in a dream and warned him not to get involved with this charade. Unfortunately, Pilate was already in too deep. As he stood there in front of the crowd he said,
“Who do you want me to release: Barabbas or Jesus?”
Barabbas was a member of the zealots who supported the use of vio- lence to obtain independence from the Romans. In fact, he had led a rebellion and been arrested for murder. Who would you choose to free, the murderer or the sinless prophet? Seems like an easy choice to make. Let’s see what the crowd said in verses 20-23:
20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Unbelievable! The people begged for the freedom of a murderer and the execution of a righteous man. Where was God? Why was he allowing this to happen? He was allowing this to happen because it was part of the plan that went all the way back to the Garden of Eden. A plan that was unfolding before their very eyes. We can continue reading in Matthew 27 verses 24-26:
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucifued.
When Pilate washed his hands, he thought that it would remove the guilt of condemning an innocent man. But as a leader he couldn’t do that. He too had a choice to make. In spite of the people’s request, he could have made the right decision. Unfortunately he was more concerned with pleasing man than following the truth. But then again, Pilate himself didn’t know what truth was. Sadly, if you read about Pilate’s later life, you will learn that he committed suicide.
In verse 26, it says that Jesus was scourged. It is very important that we understand what this means. The Roman tradition was to whip a criminal before he was executed. The whip consisted of a handle with two or three cords. Interspersed throughout the cords were pieces of sharp metal usually zinc and iron. You can imagine what someone’s back would look like after receiving several blows. His skin would be ripped off, his muscles exposed; he would lose massive amounts of blood, and be so weak he could barely walk. The only thing the convict would want to do is die. But the Romans would stop before that happened. They had to save the convict for the of cial punishment, crucifixion.
In the remainder of this lesson, you will read some shocking verses. Some people will say that this could never happen to a prophet of God. They believe that God would never allow it to happen. But we have seen time and time again that God’s Word doesn’t lie nor is any man strong enough to change God's word. What we will read are simply the facts. So let’s lay aside our preconceived ideas, personal thoughts, and doubts. Let’s read what the Bible says and try to see how the following events ful ll Bible prophecy. With honor and love for Jesus, let us reluctantly read verses 27-31:
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the gover- nor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.
Should we even attempt to explain what we just read? Five actions are highlighted in the verses above. The soldiers took off Jesus’
clothes, pressed a crown of thorns onto his head, mocked him, spit on him, and struck him. Remember he was already weak from the beating, hadn’t eaten or drank anything since the previous night, and was bleeding profusely. Can you imagine the pain he felt when they took off his clothes? There was probably esh stuck to the cloth. Can you imagine the look of hatred, jealousy, and moral deprav- ity on those soldiers’ faces? What could make them do it? Sin! Although we don’t want to admit it, it is the same sin that is in you and me. The same sin that makes us do the things that we regret and are ashamed of.
Jesus is God’s Word and the personi cation of God’s law and righ- teousness on this earth because he never sinned. When we violate God’s law by sinning (e.g., lying, disobeying our parents, stealing, not keeping the Sabbath holy, etc.) we are mocking, spitting on, and slapping Jesus Christ! According to the Bible, the only thing that can atone for our sin is blood.55 That is why our ancestors sacrificed animals. But the animals' blood didn't really make atone- ment for their sin. They were only a symbol of the ultimate sacri ce that would bless the whole world.56 Let’s see what happened next in verses 32-36:
32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had cruci ed him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.
In the Roman world, cruci xion was the worst punishment imaginable. It was reserved for the lowliest criminals. Therefore it was normal for people to watch the spectacle, mock the criminal, and serve as witnesses to the criminal’s penalty. Jesus the Messiah, the
Good Shepherd, the Word of God, the Changer of Fate was the focal point of such a spectacle.
Jesus was so exhausted after the beating that he couldn’t carry his cross the whole way to Golgotha. His shoulders couldn’t bear the weight of that wooden beam and even if he could hold it, the blood on his shoulders and back would have made it slide off. He stag- gered, fell, got up, and maybe even crawled at times. He knew this was going to happen months in advance. He knew where he was going. But most importantly he was going willingly!
Have you ever hammered a nail into a piece of wood? You lift up the hammer while holding the nail with your other hand. As you bring the hammer down, you strike the nail head as hard as you can. The sound of steel on steel makes a loud ping. When the Roman soldiers stretched Jesus out over that wooden cross, they drove nails into the wood. But before the nails hit wood, they had to pass through Jesus’ wrists and feet first.
We can’t even begin to imagine how painful it was. The nails severed tendons, ligaments, and nerves. They were the only things holding Jesus on the cross as the soldiers lifted him up. As gravity pulled his body down making it impossible to breathe, Jesus would arch his back and pull with those wounded arms. Time and again, he pulled himself up just to get one breath. At the same time, people were walking by and taunting him.
Do you know what Jesus said when the soldiers nailed him to the cross? Let’s nd out in Luke chapter 23 verse 34:
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Jesus asked God to forgive the soldiers, the priests, and the mockers! Pause and think about that for a moment.
In his time of trial, when he was being murdered, Jesus was concerned about his killers’ salvation. He knew that the soldiers didn’t understand what was happening. In their eyes, Jesus was just another unruly, problem-causing Jewish man. Little did they know that by the end of the day, they would learn who he really is.
Let’s continue in Matthew chapter 27 with verses 37-44:
37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were cruci ed with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Unfortunately this wasn’t a bad movie or a made up story. Jesus was beaten, nailed to a cross, and ridiculed. If you could paint a picture showing the result of humanity's sin, it would surely be this image: God's appointed Messiah nailed naked to a cross on the top of a hill. Let’s follow this story to its end by reading verses 45-50:
45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, lled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.
In the middle of the day the sky grew dark. For three hours there was no sunlight. After hours of agonizing pain, Jesus cried out to God. Through the years there have been many interpretations of Jesus’ statement. But they all come to the same conclusion. Jesus was feeling something he never felt before. He felt alone and abandoned.
For three years he told people of his oneness with God. He likened God to his father and was constantly doing as he was commanded. But hanging on the cross, Jesus felt like a chasm had separated him from God. He was no longer connected to the Source of Life. In light of Jesus’ clean record, that is his sinlessness, we have to wonder why. Jesus didn’t do anything to deserve this punishment. Not once did he ever break God’s law! So there must be another reason.
The night before, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked God if “this cup” could be taken from him57. In the Bible, God’s judgment is often portrayed as a cup filled with pestilence, wrath, and destruction.58 If Jesus didn’t sin, why would he be drinking from the cup of God’s wrath?
This next statement might be a little shocking. Jesus, on behalf of every human being, was experiencing God’s full judgment of sin. This is why he felt alone and separate from God. There can’t be any other reason. Think about it! Jesus went to the cross willingly. He suffered the penalty of death for nothing more than being a righteous man. Just as the Israelites had to sacrifice perfect sheep, Jesus gave himself as a perfect sacri ce. John the Baptist called him the “Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world."59 Jesus was the epitome of self-sacrifice. He was the last sacri ce, the one that had been predicted on the day that Adam and Eve rst sinned. He suffered the penalty of sin, so that we wouldn’t have to.
On April 25, 1915 every Turkish man, woman, and child wasn’t at Çanakkale. But they were in the hearts of every soldier that dug a trench, endured the cold nights, and stood guard. When the enemy began to climb the hillsides and defeat seemed a forgone conclu-
sion, a young general stepped forward. He knew the enemies had more soldiers, better weapons, and abundant supplies. But he also knew that they didn’t have something that our soldiers did; the desire to save what was rightfully theirs and to protect their people and homeland.
As the enemy was advancing up the hill, Mustafa Kemal was determined to hold them back. If they couldn't, the war would most likely be lost. There was no time to lose, a decision had to be made quickly. The 57th regiment had to hold the line until reinforcements came. But how could they do that when they had no ammunition and the soldiers were weak from not eating? There was only way, but it would be costly. The soldiers would have to ght face to face and stop the enemy with their bare hands. Perhaps their sacrifice would give the reinforcements enough time to arrive.
But how could he give the order knowing that mothers would lose the sons that they had nursed, raised, and entrusted to him? How could he send them to their deaths? Was there any other option? Which would be harder, to give the order to die or to carry it out? Yes, it had to be done. The whole nation depended on this action.
Mustafa Kemal turned to the soldiers of the 57th regiment, told them to return to the front lines, and commanded them to attack the enemy. He sent them off with this statement,
“I send you not to fight, but to die.”
How would you have felt to be one of those soldiers charging into certain death? Would you have been able to do it? If you believed with all your heart that you were doing something greater than yourself and that you were saving your family and your nation, you too would have run into the battle. What did the men of the 57th do?
They willingly ran to their death.
As God’s Word60, Jesus willingly left heaven, was born as a baby, lived a human life, and died on the cross. He was sent to die! He paid the ultimate price for your sin, separation from God, so that you could be with God.
Just as Jesus’ birth was a supernatural event, so too was his death. Let’s see what happened by reading Matthew 27 verses 51 and 54:
51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were lled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
The curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple was torn in two. There was no longer separation be- tween God and man. Jesus had nally paid the price for every person’s sin and provided a direct path to the Father.
As the sun turned black and the earth shook in salute to Jesus' last breath, one of the Roman soldiers who had gambled for his clothes recognized that supernatural events were taking place all around him. He looked up at the lifeless face of Jesus Christ and exclaimed,
“Surely this was the Son of God!”
Discussion Questions
1. What is truth?
2. Do you realize that when Jesus questioned the guard about his actions, it was a form of judgment? Jesus said that he was given the
authority to judge people’s sins. What will you say when he asks you about the bad things you have done?
3. Jesus asked God to forgive the people who condemned and murdered him. Do you realize that he will ask God to forgive your sins too?
4. Do you see that Jesus' death was necessary? Why did he have to die?
5. Jesus died on Passover. Do you remember what the blood of the lamb did for those who spread it on their doorposts in Egypt?
6. How does Jesus’ death forgive your sins? How could one man serve the penalty for someone else’s offense?
7. Jesus the Bread of Life hung on the cross like a bag of bread hanging on a tree beside a dumpster. In the light of that image, does it give new meaning to the phrase “bread is a blessing from God”? Every time you see bread suspended above the ground, think
about the Son of Man, the Bread of Life, who was lifted up and what he did for us!
55 Lev. 17
56 Genesis 3
57 Luke 22:42
58 Psalm 75:8
59 John 1:29
60 John 1:1