Monday, November 2, 2020

The Death Sentence that Resulted in Life for Many

“The chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!’ But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.” [1]

Pilate marveled at Jesus. Jesus was in a Roman court. He could have defended Himself. The prosecution was assassinating His character. He was about to be condemned.

Hundreds of years earlier, the Prophet Isaiah described the Messiah in the following manner:

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So, He opened not His mouth.” [2]

His prosecutors were playing into His hand… Helping Him to accomplish His mission…

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” [3]

Everything was going according to God’s plan.

Years later, Jesus revealed Himself to John the Apostle. He said…

“Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” [4]

Jesus holds the keys to eternity. He is the One that the Prophet Daniel spoke of…

“I was watching in the night visions,
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.” [5]

Is it any wonder that Jesus felt no obligation to explain Himself to Pilate or the Chief Priests?

“Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to stay focused on You. You are Lord! You hold the keys to eternal life. No one can take them away from You. Thank You for showing us what love is by laying down Your life for our redemption. Thank You for opening the door for us to enter Your eternal kingdom.”

[1] Mark 15:3-5
[2] Isaiah 53:7
[3] 1 John 3:16
[4] Revelation 1:17-18
[5] Daniel 7:13-14

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