Day 316 – Matthew 27, Mark 15

Talking Points

• As Jesus’ trial and mistreatments push forward toward His pending crucifixion, there is a swirling undercurrent of reality — He is innocent. Judas calls Him “innocent” (Matthew 27:4). Pilot knows the Jewish plot is based on jealousy and not guilt (27:18). Even Pilot’s wife calls Jesus “that righteous man” (27:19). The course is set: Jesus, innocent of all levied charges, will die based on a false indictment.
• Surprising to Pilot, Jesus does not answer or push back at the charges being set against Him. As the Jewish leaders “accuse Him harshly” (Mark 15:3), Jesus is found silent. Seven hundred years earlier, the prophet Isaiah said of the Messiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and a sheep that is silent before its shearers” (Isaiah 53:7).
• Notice the sheer hatred that had grown toward Jesus. In a vile explosion of disdain, the crowd yells out, calling for Jesus to be crucified. Being discredited wasn’t enough. Being jailed or even executed would not suffice. In a boiling flash of consuming rage, the crowd bellows, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13).
• As Jesus is beaten and then crucified, He is constantly mocked and belittled. The Romans toy with Him, laughing at His kingship. Those passing by wag their heads and hurl insults. The chief priests, scribes, and elders take their shots as well. Crazily, even the robbers, nailed to their own crosses themselves, make sport of Jesus. Imagine, God Himself, Immanuel on His gracious mission, is humiliated by His own creation — those He came to save.

Thoughts

The account of Judas Iscariot is a strange and sad tale. Honestly, his life leaves as many unanswered questions as it does reveal truths. How could he know Jesus, truly know Him, and yet turn against Him? How could he have witnessed the many miracles and not be persuaded? Does his remorse at the end indicate a change of heart? How can remorse not lead to repentance. The questions could go on and on — How? Why?

Even with what we are left to ponder, what we do know about Judas Iscariot is revealing enough. He lived close to Jesus and yet he missed Him. His wicked heart brewed and festered. Stealing from the money purse brought no satisfaction; thirty pieces of silver wouldn’t either. Consorting and conspiring with the world only left him in greater despair. And, ultimately, rejecting Christ left him utterly hopeless. Imagine the sadness and regret as he fashions his hanging rope. Judas missed Jesus. And, now, nothing else mattered.

The saddest part is there was still grace available for Judas. The compassion he had somehow overlooked in Jesus was what pushed Him forward to the Cross. Jesus had washed his feet and soon, He would die for Judas’ sins — these sins. The sad mistake of Judas is missing the awesomeness of our gospel — “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).