April 1, 2021
The virtual Maundy Thursday Service will be available after 1 pm at stmarkknox.org/sermons
23 But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted.
– Luke 23:23-24
One of the lines I always find most interesting in the creed of our faith, the apostle’s creed is that line that says: “…he suffered under Pontius Pilate ….”
When we go to the gospel record, we do see that Pilate has the final word on the punishment of Jesus for crimes against his own people. However, Pilate in all the gospels wants no part in this charade. In John’s gospel, Pilate finds not fault in Jesus, is warned by his wife to not follow through with the execution, and washes his hands of the situation. In Matthew’s gospel Pilate claims he is “innocent of this man’s blood; see to it [the crucifixion] yourselves” (27:24). In Mark’s gospel indicates that Jesus turned him over to be crucified just to pacify the crowd. And in Luke’s gospel we see a response similar to Matthew and Mark. Pilate doesn’t seem to want to have Jesus put to death, but allows it to keep the crowd from revolting. Yet, we recount our faith as Jesus being crucified under this man, appointed by Caesar.
For the earliest Christians, we must remember that they were Jewish, they were children of Abraham, and as such, they were under the same laws that the Pharisees were required to operate, namely, they had no rights execute anyone. To say that the Pharisees, or the Jewish authorities had Jesus crucified, would be to discredit their own people, and by doing so their own witness as they called others to believe in the death and resurrection of Christ, that through him we might all have salvation, and enter in the kingdom triumphant.
However, the Prince of Peace did not let such suffering keep him from bringing peace to all who would have faith and believe in him. We know that he suffered, was crucified, and buried. But it is not the end of our faith that Jesus taught and died. Jesus rose again, to bring new life for all. Today, on Maundy Thursday we start the Holy Weekend, remembering Jesus betrayal, denial, suffering, and death, but death is not the end of the story, we will see life on the other side.
Grace & Peace,
Sam