Introduction
One of the big questions that the world is looking for answers to is who is responsible for Covid-19?
I guess people want those responsible for the virus to be held accountable for the damage they’ve done thorough the world.
And when it comes to the greatest injustice in the history of the world, people like to blame others for the crucifixion of Christ.
People will often point to Judas Iscariot and say that he was responsible for Jesus’ crucified. And to a degree, we could say that his greed for money crucified Jesus.
“How much will you pay me to get Jesus into your hands?” And they gave him thirty silver coins.” Matthew 26:15
Other people point to Caiaphas, the High Priest and say he’s responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. And to a degree, we could say that the envy of Caiaphas crucified Jesus.
“For he knew very well that the Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy because of his popularity with the people”. Matthew 27:18
Other people point to Pilate and say he’s responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. He knew that Jesus was innocent and publicly declared His innocence three times.
“Once more, for the third time, he demanded,” Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death.” Luke 23:22
And to a degree, we could say that Pilate’s fear crucified Jesus.
“Then Pilate, afraid of a riot and anxious to please the people, released Barabbas to them. And he ordered Jesus flogged with a leaded whip and handed him over to be crucified.” Mark 15:15
They all played their part, but in and through all this, God Himself crucified Jesus.
“But God, following his prearranged plan, let you use the Roman government to nail him to the cross and murder him”. Acts 2:23
Not only did God crucify Jesus, but Jesus Himself crucified Himself.
“And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”. Galatians 2:20
Does anyone want to guess what ‘gave himself for me’ really means? Jesus put himself on the cross.
And there’s one more group of people who are responsible for the crucifixion of Christ. Our sins crucified Jesus Christ.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24
That’s why Christ came and died, he came to save sinners like you and me.
‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.’ 1 Timothy 1:15
We can’t wash our hands with Jesus like Pilate did and say we’re not responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.
‘When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” Matthew 27:24
Our guilty hands are all over the cross.
Scripture says that Judas put Jesus on the cross.
Scripture says that Caiaphas put Jesus on the cross.
Scripture says that Pilate put Jesus on the cross.
Scripture says that God put Jesus on the cross.
Scripture says that Jesus put Himself on the cross.
Scripture says that we put Jesus on the cross.
When Pilate had Jesus flogged, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
‘Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.’ John 19:1
When the soldiers stripped him and put a robe on Him, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
‘And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.’ Matthew 27:28
When the soldiers placed a crown of thorns on His head, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
‘The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head.’ John 19:2
When the soldiers mocked Him and spat on Him and struck His head, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
‘They mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.’ Matthew 27:29
When they hammered nails into his hands and feet, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
‘When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross.’ Luke 23:33
And make no mistake about it, crucifixion was a horrible and gruesome act but the Bible doesn’t go into that. It just tells us that they took Jesus out and crucified him.
‘So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified’. John 19:16
And Pilate put an inscription on top of the cross which said.
“JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:19
When they crucified Jesus, Jesus was showing us how much He loves us.
And while He was on the cross, He uttered seven sentences.
1. Forgiveness. ‘Father forgive them’ etc., Luke 23:34.
2. Salvation. ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise.’ Luke 23:43.
3. Love. ‘Women behold your son! Behold, your mother!’ John 19:26-27.
4. Despair. ‘My God My God, why have you forsaken me?’ Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34.
5. Suffering. ‘I thirst’, John 19:28.
6. Triumph. ‘It is finished!’ John 19:30.
7. Committal. ‘Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!’ Luke 23:46.
Jesus handed over His life for you, have you handed your life over to Him?
Stay blessed, stay focused, and stay in Christ.
