“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.”
(Luke 23:1)
One of the greatest ironies in history is that the religious leaders familiar with Old Testament law and prophecy were the very perpetrators behind Christ’s arrest. Chief priests and Pharisees bribed Judas to betray Him, they dispatched soldiers to arrest Him, they themselves beat, mocked, and spat on Him … all actions unbecoming spiritual guides. Then lacking the authority to execute, they delivered Him to Pilate: “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death” (John 18:31). Still, their motive was preservation of power, not justice, threatening Pilate: “If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend” (John 19:12).
Four capital accusations ensued: sedition, seduction, usurpation, and blasphemy. Sedition claimed He stirred up the people (Luke 23:5), yet His teachings promoted holiness and love (Mark 10:21) instead of rebellion. Seduction alleged that He perverted the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar (Luke 23:2). But He upheld the law, fulfilling it to the letter with His perfect, sinless life (Matthew 5:17; Mark 12:17). Usurpation charged Him with seeking kingship for Himself in opposition to Caesar (John 19:12), but in reality He fled attempts at being made king, retreating instead to solitary places (John 6:15; John 7:6). Blasphemy accused Him of claiming to be God (Mark 14:63-64), which He did because, in truth, He is God (John 10:30).
And yet the blindness of these religious leaders served to fulfill God’s plan (John 12:40; Isaiah 44:18) and their malice executed our redemption. God’s purposes will prevail, and wicked actions end up serving His ends.[1] Pilate could find no fault with Christ, but he yielded to the pressure of the multitude who demanded that He be crucified.
In every age, in every event, God’s sovereignty turns evil to good (Genesis 50:20). This truth was particularly evident in Christ’s arrest, persecution, and crucifixion. Unknowingly and unwittingly, Christ’s accusers fulfilled Scripture at every turn … so much so that the plot they devised actually brought into being the very salvation they so hated and rejected.
Scripture makes it plain that Christ was slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). And those who happen to be in power at whatever point and in whatever way God chooses to use them are nothing more than tools in His hands. This gives believers great cause to rejoice, for we know beyond any doubt that no scheme that wicked, evil men can devise is sufficient to thwart God’s divinely designed, predetermined plan.
Contemplations
- Silent before accusers. You challenged Your accusers, Lord: “Which of You convinces me of sin?” (John 8:46). And yet You remained silent before Pilate’s charges. I face accusations that I am unable to defend. Teach me Your meekness, Lord, that I may trust Your advocacy in heaven’s court.
- Pleading Your blood. When Satan accuses (Revelation 12:10), I plead only Your blood (1 John 1:7; Romans 8:33-34). My silence stems from guilt; Yours from innocence. Strengthen my faith to rest in Your atonement, silencing the accuser.
- Power in restraint. Your words slay the wicked (Isaiah 11:4), yet You did not speak before Your accusers. Blot out my sins, Lord (Colossians 2:14), for I have no other means of defense for them.
- Mercy over judgment. Accusations demand death, yet Your innocence prevailed for my sake. I confess committing those sins You were accused of, like perverting the truth and usurping Your authority. Forgive me Lord, and conform me to Your righteousness.
Prayer (supplication)
O righteous God, You are the judge of all earth, executing justice perfectly. Luke 23:1 tells us of religious leaders binding Christ for Pilate. Search my heart for similar hypocrisies, Lord. Break my pride, that I not be guilty of accusing those who are innocent nor twisting the truth for my own gain.
I beg You, Father, defend Your people against unjust charges. As Christ faced false accusations of sedition, seduction, usurpation, blasphemy, protect us from slander.
I ask for wisdom to respond in silence as Chris did, in fulfillment of Your plan (John 12:40; Isaiah 44:18), just as the blindness of His accusers actually advanced redemption, turning the malice of His enemies to good (Genesis 50:20).
Sustain Your church amid persecution, Lord. Grant us boldness to proclaim Your gospel and in all things help us emulate the submission of Christ to Your will. In trials, remind us of the victory that is promised those who endure, knowing that in the end every knee will bow (Romans 14:9-11) and every tongue confess the Lordship of Christ.
I ask mercy for accusers, that their blindness lifts, and that they are able to see Christ’s kingdom. For myself, cleanse me from an accusing spirit. Use sufferings to refine me that I may, in turn, witness Your power and glorify You.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture references for Luke 23:1
Matthew 27:2, John 18:28, Acts 4:27, 1 Tim. 6:13.
[1] “It is even appropriate to state that the sovereign Lord has ordained all things, even the wicked actions of men and Satan, to serve his ultimate purposes.” O. Palmer Robertson, The Christ of the Prophets, Abridged edition (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008), 59.
