Jesus Over INJUSTICE

Read Mark 15:12-15

Where was justice on that terrible day?

For all appearances, it had departed, giving way to the whims of a fickle mob who only days before had hailed Jesus as a hero, shouting “Hosanna!” (literally, “save us!”). Now, that same crowd was calling for Jesus’ crucifixion with no real justification, only their loud shouts to drown out the voice of reason. Where was God in all of this? Why would He allow such a gross mishandling of the law?

We are outraged at such a miscarriage of justice. We blame the mob. We blame Pilate. We blame the Roman soldiers. We blame the religious leaders. They were all complicit. If we were there, surely, we would have spoken out. Stood next to Jesus until the very end. Right? That’s what we’d like to think.

But more than likely, we would’ve been like Jesus’ closest followers who scattered in those final hours. Because the truth is, Jesus faced the mockery, the abuse, the torture, the gross injustice, not just for those bad people, but for His disciples, too. And not just for “them”, but for us. For you. For me.

Yes. Jesus was abandoned in that hour, left without an advocate. But even then, as He reminded Pilate, He could’ve summoned legions of angels to His rescue. (Matthew 26:53) Of course, that’s not what this moment was about. By the very act of submitting to the outrageous charges against Him, based only on jealousy and hatred, Jesus, the spotless Lamb was not acquiescing; He was transcending man’s laws and fulfilling the righteous requirements of God’s Law. He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

There was never a moment when the scales of justice slipped out of God’s hands. Not then. Not now. Not ever. That is why Jesus faced the injustice of it all. To defeat it. To be Lord over it.

For them. For you. For me.

He is Worthy:

1.  I thank You Lord, that You truly are King, not just of the Jews, but overall.

2.  I rejoice Lord for how You willingly carried all my crimes/offenses against You, including, ___________. (v. 14)

3.  I praise You for being the spotless Lamb that handed Yourself over for my sake. (v. 15)

We are Needy:

1.  Jesus, when I am tempted to be offended by or judge others, remind me of what Your love did to cover my offenses, such as ________. (1 Peter 4:8)

2.  Help me show this grace and mercy to _______ when they have offended me. (Matthew 10:8)

3.  Lord, bring to mind those whom I need to ask forgiveness from for my offenses against them. (James 5:16)

Jesus, You know I could never do any of this in my own strength, but with You living in me through Your Holy Spirit, please help me to recognize and cultivate Your presence every day by _________. (Colossians 1:27)