Key Passage
The leading priests accused Jesus of many things. So Pilate asked Jesus another question. Pilate said, "You can see that these people are accusing you of many things. Why don't you answer?" But Jesus still did not answer. Pilate was very surprised at this.
— Mark 15:3-5 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Once again, as Old Testament Scripture had promised, Jesus does not try to defend himself. He is silent. Pilate is surprised at such silence. Why would Jesus not defend himself? Because the issue at stake was not his innocence, but our guilt. He goes as the sinless one to be convicted and sentenced to death for our sins.
Prayer
Dear Father, as we approach the time of giving thanks and for remembering your Son's birth, it is hard to be reminded of the outcome of that birth. I am ashamed that we killed your Son when he came. I am horrified that he was treated so barbarically. I am angered that justice was so perverted. I am enraged that political preservation was more important to those in charge than the life of your Son. However, dear Father, I am eternally grateful that you would love me, and love all of us, so much that you had your Son endure what he endured. And, Lord Jesus, not only do I pray this in your name, but I thank you with all my heart for what you did for me. Amen.
Related Scriptures
I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace {to tell people}. So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God. Christ had no sin. But God made him become sin. God did this for us, so that in Christ we could become right with God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:19-21
He was hurt and punished. But he never protested. He said nothing—like a sheep being taken to be killed. He was like a lamb that makes no sound when someone cuts off its wool. He never opened his mouth {to defend himself}. Men used force and took him—and they did not judge him fairly. No person can tell about his future family, because he was taken from the land of living people. He was punished to pay for the sins of my people. He died and was buried with the rich. He was buried with evil men. He did nothing wrong—he never spoke lies—but still these things happened to him. The Lord decided to crush him. The Lord decided that he must suffer, so the Servant gave himself to be the one to die. But he will live a new life for a long, long time. He will see his people. He will complete the things the Lord wants him to do. He will suffer many things in his soul, but he will see the good things that happen. He will be satisfied with the things he learns. My Good Servant will make many people not guilty; he will carry away their guilt.
— Isaiah 53:7-11
Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that every person that believes in him would not be lost, but have life forever. God sent his Son into the world. God did not send his Son to judge the world guilty. God sent his Son so that the world could be saved through his Son.
— John 3:16-17
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