Today’s scripture: Mark 15:1-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Julie Benson):
If television cameras were present circa 33AD, it would have been a media frenzy! The trial of Jesus may have been portrayed with as much non-stop coverage and debate as the OJ Simpson case. Reporters would rush to book the first interview with Judas. Then they would scurry to broadcast live from the site of each official: first Annas, then Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate. They’d want to know: Who is to blame for Jesus’ conviction and death?
Should we blame Judas?
He plotted to betray Jesus and received thirty pieces of silver. He led guards and officials to Jesus in the garden, and confirmed his identity with a kiss. If not for Judas, the crucifixion could have been avoided — or at least delayed.
Should we blame Satan?
Luke tells us that Satan entered into Judas, prompting the progression of events that followed. If not for Satan’s manipulations, perhaps Jesus would have survived to teach for many years to come.
Should we blame Annas?
A former high priest, Annas retained authority over the Jewish people. Jesus was brought first to Annas for a preliminary investigation, where he ordered Jesus to a trial under Caiaphas. Maybe if Annas had looked more carefully at the facts, Jesus would have been released.
The news station pauses for a commercial break, knowing that the audience is in the palm of their hand now. After a 30-second spot for Birkenstocks®, the debate continues:
Should we blame Caiaphas?
He was both envious of and threatened by Jesus’ influence over the Jewish people. Caiaphas was so disturbed by all of this that he sent Jesus to the Roman officials to seek the death penalty, since he didn’t have that authority himself.
Should we blame Herod?
Herod was eager to make Jesus’ acquaintance, and begged him to perform miracles like they were magic tricks, for his own entertainment. When Jesus wouldn’t comply, Herod made a mockery of Him, and sent him to Pilate for judgment. Herod could have ended this ridiculous trial altogether if he would have been more insistent about Jesus’ release.
A news bulletin interrupts the program: “This just in: Judas, once a disciple of Jesus, was found dead. Some say he hung himself, others say he fell from a cliff. Details at 11:00.” The reporters shake their heads at the tragedy, then continue on with their heated debate.
Should we blame the Jews?
They seemed to have such influence over the proceedings with their shouts of, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” They chose to release the murderer, Barabbas, over Jesus. And they were willing to shoulder the burden, declaring, “Let His blood be on us and on our children.” These were the same people who had celebrated Jesus with palm branches, proclaiming, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…”
Should we blame the high priests and elders?
They started this witch hunt in the first place. From their skepticism of Jesus, to the hiring of Judas, to the accusations in front of Herod, to their final ploy of persuading the people to choose Barabbas over Jesus, these priests and elders always wanted to do away with Jesus.
Should we blame Pilate?
Pilate presided over Jesus’ final hearing, probing Him with questions. Pilate’s wife warned him and encouraged him to let Jesus go. But the priests and elders continued to present accusations and the Jews kept shouting for a wrongful conviction. Pilate could have let Jesus go, but he lacked courage. He wanted to maintain popularity, so he sent Jesus to be crucified. He could have declared a not-guilty verdict and the entire mess would have been over for good.
The newscasters then take questions and comments from viewers. Three people are selected and they chime in with their own perspective on the debate:
Should we blame Jesus?
He refused to answer questions from Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate. Jesus should have defended Himself by speaking up! He incriminated Himself when He answered, “I am,” to Caiaphas when asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus gave up an opportunity to explain Himself to Pilate. Jesus could have saved Himself had he cooperated with the authorities.
Should we blame God?
The Almighty One sat idly by, watching His own Son suffer humiliation and death. God could have stopped the sequence of events at any point and spared Jesus’ life.
Thought for the day: Maybe we should blame you and me.
We all are in need of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. His sacrifice bought us our salvation. But do not despair in guilt or shame! We have been granted the greatest gift we could ever receive: the gift of life eternal and for that, we can only point our fingers to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.