More Joy Ministries
Full Bible Study
Thirty pieces of silver bought Judas’ betrayal. Follow what happened next and look at how many people helped put our King on that cross.
Judas knew where to find Jesus. He led an armed crowd to Him and identified Him with a kiss. A man who had eaten at His table personally delivered Him into the hands of His enemies. Matthew 26:14–16, 47–50.
The chief priests and Pharisees had already been plotting His death. The chief priests paid Judas, and the council went looking for false witnesses to secure a conviction. Men stepped forward willing to lie against Him. Religious leaders who knew the Scriptures were arranging the death of the One those Scriptures testified of. John 11:47–53 and Matthew 26:59–66.
Herod wanted to see a miracle. Jesus gave him no answer, and Herod and his soldiers mocked Him, dressed Him in a splendid robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. Luke records that Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, after previously being enemies. Apparently, having Jesus in custody gave them something to get along over. Luke 23:8–12.
Then the gathered crowd was given a choice. Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas, a man imprisoned for rebellion and murder. The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to demand Barabbas.
When Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus, they answered, “Let him be crucified.”
A murderer was going free while the innocent Man was being demanded for execution. Matthew 27:20–23 and Luke 23:19, 25.
Pilate knew the leaders had delivered Jesus out of envy. His own wife warned him to have nothing to do with “that just man.” He still authorized the execution. He washed his hands in front of the crowd, then handed Jesus over to be crucified.
A basin of water could not make that an innocent decision. Matthew 27:18–26.
The Roman soldiers carried it out. They stripped Him, crowned Him with thorns, spat on Him, struck Him, and crucified Him. They even gambled over His clothing. Matthew 27:27–35.
Think about who was standing before all these people.
“For by him were all things created.”
Colossians 1:16 KJV
They were using bodies He had created to crucify their Creator.
Acts brings those involved together in one passage.
“For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”
Acts 4:27 KJV
The next verse says they did what God’s hand and counsel had determined beforehand. Their guilt was real, and even their wickedness served the purpose God had already established.
Jesus knew where every handoff would lead. He went willingly.
“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.”
John 10:18 KJV
My sin belongs in this account too. Isaiah says He was “wounded for our transgressions.” I can name the men who condemned Him, but I also need to remember whose sins He was bearing.
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