A Word Of Accusation

INTRODUCTION: From a secluded manger in Bethlehem, we follow the footsteps of Jesus. As we travel we have seen Him as a carpenter’s son in the village of Nazareth, seen Him as an intenerate preacher, one who heals and feeds the masses. We now see Him as He’s led over the rugged paths outside the city of Jerusalem to his final destination, the place of the skull, a hill called Golgotha! We see Him beaten and bruised by Pilate’s soldiers to such a degree another must carry His cross. The hammer and nails are ready for their grisly task. This Jesus, the One who spoke the universe into existence has arrived at the place of execution. The author of life is crucified between two common thieves, and on a plaque above His head we read the charge… “This is Jesus King of the Jews.” (on screen)

BACKGROUND: This picture that we see, though revolting and stomach turning to us was a common sight during the times in which this event takes place. Crucifixion though refined by the Romans was initially conceived by the Carthaginians as a form of capital punishment. Roman citizens rarely if ever were executed by crucifixion, in fact so degrading was it that it wasn’t even discussed in polite society. Among the Jews the horror and distain of the cross was even greater in light of Law’s stance concerning such a punishment. (Deuteronomy 21:23)

All the Gospel writers record the crucifixion, yet none of them elaborate on the details of the crucifixion, for what the condemned experienced would have been well known to the readers. For the readers in the first century, as well as us today some two thousand years later the significance lies not in the act of crucifixion but in what that act accomplished.

It was customary in ancient times that the crime of the condemned would be posted for all to see, for crucifixion was a public spectacle that often drew large crowds. Written in either black or red ink on a white board known as a “Titulus,” would be displayed above their heads for all to see. (on screen)

PROPOSITION: Today we examine this, one of the most well known but often ignored statements from history, a statement that made history, at the apex of all history… “This is Jesus King of the Jews.”

TRANSITION: As we examine this statement made about Jesus we begin by looking at how this statement about Jesus came to be made, as we consider the…

I. THE ACCUSATION

a. At first the Jewish leaders had vaguely accused Jesus of being a “malefactor,” but Pilate demands that a specific charge be brought against Jesus

• The Jewish leaders first bring up the charge of blasphemy, which carries the penalty of death under the Law, but Pilate’s business was “civil” law not “religious” law

• So to make this situation “civil” they claim to have found Jesus “perverting” the nation and failing to give tribute to Caesar

• These leaders make it clear to Pilate that if he lets Jesus go then he is not a “friend of Caesar”

• They take this threat one step further, threatening to appeal directly to Caesar himself if he doesn’t do as they ask, and this is a threat that Pilate takes seriously

• Pilate doesn’t dare to allow even the “suspicion” of unfaithfulness to reach the ears of his Imperial Roman masters

• So out of a sense of “self-preservation” he condemns Jesus to death as a rebel and false king, knowing full well that He is an