Gleans from Monday Bible Study with Pastor (Dr) W.F Kumuyi.
DLBC Old Yaba, Lagos HQ
27th August 2018
Study 62 – THE UNJUST TRIAL OF THE JUST ONE
John 18:28-40; Acts 3:13-15; 7:52; 22:14; 1 Peter 3:18
Jesus Christ is referred to as the Just One, Son of God, the Righteous One and the Holy One of God. As we look at this passage, you will see the trial and judgement of Jesus but judgement had been passed already before He was delivered to Pilate: So Pilate was wondered what he would do with this Jesus, the Just One. As we look at the Bible, Jesus Christ was referred to as the Just and Holy One, “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you” (Acts 3:13-15). These are His identifying marks; He was holy and righteous. The trial was an unjust one of the Just One. Jesus Christ was betrayed, tried, suffered, crucified, died and was buried. The question is why will God allow such a Just One to go through all this unjust trial? “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). God allowed it all so that we can be rescued from eternal punishment in Hell Fire. He suffered for the sins of the whole world to bring us back to God. Our sins are forgiven and blotted out.
3 points:
Point 1. THE CRUEL MISJUDGEMENT AND WICKEDNESS IN TRADITION
John 18:28-32; Mark 7:9,13; Luke 23:1-5; Matthew 27:27; Psalms 35:16; Jeremiah 7:8-11; Matthew 23:23-28; Acts 25:16; Luke 18:32-33; 24:44-45
“Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment” (John 18:28). Jesus was now on His way to be interrogated but the accusing leaders would not go to the hall of judgement. “and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover” (John 18:28b). These Jewish people, the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees would not go into the hall of judgement before was a Gentile judge, Pilate a Roman Governor appointed to rule them. They judged the hall of judgement unclean that would make them unclean to eat the Passover! Can you think on that! Wicked people with defiled hearts that want to kill the Lord Jesus Christ unjustly, yet would not enter into a physical building because they do not want to defile themselves. They kept tradition of men but hatred and violence were in their hearts, and the message of repentance they rejected. Hence Jesus had said, “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:9). They had rejected the words of Jesus Christ on repentance, being born again, righteousness, and the offer of His forgiveness, and the truth that He brought, and yet they are following tradition to eat the Passover. You will find today that some people will keep the tradition of their religion, lent, fasting, wearing certain colours, observation of prayers and Bible reading; and yet the hatred, bitterness, anger and cruelty are there.
These Jewish leaders told Pilate to just take their words that Jesus was a malefactor, a sinner, so crucify Him (John 18:29,30). They had no genuine accusation against Just, Holy and Righteous Jesus who did nothing that they credited to Him. “And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it” (Luke 23:2-3). You see the calmness and courage of Christ in the midst of all these false accusations and when surrounded by fierce soldiers (Matthew 27:27-31; Psalm 35:16)). Pray that God will give you those same virtues to stand in the midst of persecutions and false accusations against you in Jesus Name. You will not be intimidated or be a coward in Jesus Name. Jesus knew that the things written concerning Him must be fulfilled, so He wasn’t surprised at the cruel trial and persecution. Anytime any problem, trial, or situation comes into your life, understand that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Nothing will ever happen that the grace of God will not see you through, because it has been written of God concerning you, and you will not shake, falter, clinge, fall or compromise in Jesus Name.
See the condition of these traditional Jewish leaders, “Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit” (Jeremiah 7:8). They wanted to keep the Passover that was ordained by God in the midst of their evil, cruelty and murderous acts against the Lord Jesus Christ. This shows you the hypocrisy and insincerity of these people. The Lord knows their hearts, and He still knows the hearts of those religious people who go to Church every Sunday yet there is no repentance, no change of life and evil things go on in their lives with all their religious activities and traditions. Their hearts are not right with God. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23). These religious people kept their traditions but no righteousness, justice, mercy, love and faith, no forgiveness but revenge. They were full of envy, jealousy, and hatred. The care not about big things, but the little things of traditions they kept. Their hearts, behaviour and character were not right in the sight of the Lord. Traditional worshippers can major on the outward things like the dressing, singing, reading, washing, ceremonies, external and public prayers but in their hearts, bribery and corruptions, stealing, exam malpractices, extortions, oppressions and killings. They are not born again. Their service can be well organized, but the problem is of the hearts. If you were to judge them by outside comportment, you will say that they have passed the righteous test, but they are rotten in the hearts (Matthew 23:23-28). Pray that will not be your lot in Jesus Name.
“To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him” (Acts 25:16). This was what the Jewish people were guilty of, they won’t even give Jesus Christ the chance to defend Himself. They accused and condemned Him to death. Even the Romans and the courts of the world will not do that. Are there people in the Church, whatever their titles, that will judge and condemn people without listening to them nor giving them the opportunity to defend themselves? Even unbelievers will not do that. Let there be fairness, justice and fair play; let people defend themselves concerning the crimes against them. Do not hide anything nor use diplomacy in the Church of the Living God. We must not allow the character and the behaviour of the Pharisees to take effect in the Church.
“That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die” (John 18:32). Jesus knew and had predicted what was coming and it came upon Him just like that (Luke 18:32-33; 24:44). We as Christians had been told that persecution would come, so when it comes we should not be surprised nor mourn. We are told that temptations and trials would come, but God will make a way of escape and we shall overcome. So whatever the trial, judgement, temptation, pressure, opposition or persecution, one day they will come to an end, for Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. You will rise again out of that obscurity, pressure, problem and persecution. All things must be fulfilled; they should not surprise or take us unaware. This is part of what have been written concerning you. You will understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:46).
Point 2. CHRIST’S MISSION AND WITNESS TO THE TRUTH
John 18:33-37; Matthew 27:11; Psalms 2:6-9; Isaiah 9:6,7; Jeremiah 23:5,6; Zechariah 9:9; John 1:49; 12:12-15; 18:36; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:12-14; John 1:14,17; 14:6; 8:30-32
Important words in the midst of the trials, persecutions and lies of the Jewish people. “…..Art thou the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33). Pilate was the governor of the people (Matthew 27:11). Think about a Governor, the highest person in the land politically asking such a question, think of what he might be feeling in his heart, competition with Christ. But you see Jesus Christ will never tell a lie, He is the Truth, Way and the Life. So in whatever situation you find yourself, don’t tell lies, just tell the truth and the truth will take care of the situation. “Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” (John 18:34). Look at Jesus Christ, He was there as a Prisoner and an Accused Person, yet He looked the Governor at his face straight, see the courage in Him. Pray that God will give you that same courage. Cowardice that makes us compromise, cringe and not to follow what we believe and our convictions. His Conviction was that He is the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the Saviour and the Lord. “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). This is wonderful that His Kingdom is not of this world, not in the same plane with Pilate. Pilate is the king of this world, earthly and temporary, but Christ is the King of the Kingdom that is Eternal, Supernatural and goes beyond this world. Jesus bears witness of the truth of His Kingship, Dominion and Power, and every one that is of the Truth will hear Him. This truth that Jesus Christ is the King, how can we confirm it? “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Psalms 2:8). This is what the Heavenly Father said and He will ask the Father the heathen for His possession. Jesus is King! He has a government as the Governor, and has a Kingdom as the King as well (Isaiah 9:6-7). Salvation will come as a result of His kingship (Jeremiah 23:6). Pray that Jesus will be King over your life, family, character and He will rule and reign over you in mercy and grace in Jesus Name. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus is the Just One even though they were giving Him an unjust trial at this time. As you come to Him and surrender to His Lordship and Royalty, He will give you salvation. He is King over your life, hearts, actions, thoughts; surrender to Him completely, totally, fully and without any reservation and obey Him without any interruption. “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49). From the very first chapter of John’s Gospel, it is recognized that Jesus Christ is King. “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). Jesus as a King did not come by Himself nor through any Roman powers, but he came by the Word and Will of the Heaven Father. If He is a King, then He must have Kingdom. His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is not by voting, because this had been approved and settled in heaven. Christ has a Kingdom and as you surrender your life to the Lord Jesus Christ as the King of your life and He reigns over you, every negative thing He will drive away. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). As you allow Him reign in your life without rival, He will bring (1) Righteousness; (2) Peace into your heart, and take away all the restlessness; and (3) Joy of Salvation. As you enter into the Kingdom, victory shall be yours. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). He has delivered us and we will not remain in darkness. We cannot be under two kings at the same time as nobody can serve two masters. If we are in the Kingdom of Christ, then we cannot be under the dominion of Satan and sin. Sin shall not have dominion over your life. Powers of darkness will not rule over you. In the kingdom of this world, they cannot give you forgiveness and ticket to get into Heaven. Only Jesus Christ has the power to forgive and to translate you into His kingdom from the kingdom of darkness. It will be yours in Jesus Name. Then He emphasizes the Truth as well. That Truth will work effectualy in your life, and set you free. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Know the Truth that Jesus Christ has brought, and that truth will set you free sin, sickness, Satan, circumstances, powers of darkness.
Point 3: THE CONCEIVED MISCHIEF AND WILFULNESS OF TRANSGRESSORS
John 18:38-40; Luke 23:4,14-15; John 19:4,6; 8:46; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22,23; 1 John 3:5; John 18:39; Matthew 27:18,19; Mark 15:9-11; Romans 1:29-32; James 3:14-16; John 18:40; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 1:6-7,9; 3:5-9; Jude 24
“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, ….” (John 18:38). You will see that Pilate asked to know the truth, but he did not wait for the answer. The truth about God, the Bible, salvation, eternal state, heaven, eternal life, being born again, he did not wait to receive. There are answers and solution here for every problem. Pray that you will not go out from here without receiving answers and solutions to all your questions and challenges of life in Jesus Name. Jesus is the Answer and Solution to every problem of your life. Wait for the answer. “...and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all” (John 18:38). Pilate found no fault in Jesus, so if they crucify and kill Him, then you are doing something wrong and unjust. Pilate and Herod as Roman Governors and leaders were trained in questioning and interrogating people using all physiological and human methods, and they found no fault in Jesus Christ. My Saviour is Pure, Perfect and Holy, the only One without blemish that can take all your sins away. Even the Jews could not find any fault in Him (John 8:46; Hebrews 7:26). “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). This is the Perfect, Pure and Sinless Christ. Why then did they say that He should die? “For he knew that for envy they had delivered him” (Matthew 27:18). Envy is a terrible thing. Jesus was performing miracles which these Jewish leaders could not do; turning water to wine, providing miracle food for the people, and the people were running after Him and they were losing their congregation; so jealousy and envy crept into their hearts. Pray that you will not be like that when you see others making progress in life and ministry, and exalted above you. The spirit of envy and jealous, and of the Pharisees will not creep into your life. “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers…” (Romans 1:29). This was their state. When the heart if filled with envy, it will not allow you to sleep, you will be bitter, sad, unhappy and sorrowful when you see others making progress. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth” (James 3:14). Where there is envy, there will be strife, fighting and confusion (James 3:14-16).
Pilate knew that for envy that they deliver Him to die. Also God revealed to his wife that this Jesus is pure and just, that Pilate should take heed not to suffer eternally for the unjust condemnation of Christ. “But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:39-40). The Jewish leaders chose to have a robber released rather than Jesus.
You will see here that Barabbas was not saved, contrary to some false teachers that taught that Jesus became a Substitute for Barabbas. Jesus is the Only Saviour, and there was no record that this man here sought Jesus for forgiveness and repentance of his sins, he was still a robber. So if you are going to be saved, and for Jesus to take your place of punishment of sins, there must be genuine repentance and forgiveness of sin. You must call upon Jesus to forgive, cleanse and save your soul from sin. Jesus is able to save, cleanse and purge your soul tonight. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Whatever your sins and guilt, salvation has come. However far you have gone, come unto God for forgiveness and salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sins (1 John 1:7). “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). Jesus is come to take away the pollution and defilement of your sins, and the punishment of your sins, for in Him is no sin. He will keep you from sinning. The Lord will do it for you tonight, and you will not be like Pilate, you will wait for your answer and solution. The truth of salvation is presented unto you now, and as you come and be saved, then the Lord will keep you from falling.
Ponder on this! Jesus is the Just One even though they were giving Him an unjust trial at this time. As you come to Him and surrender to His Lordship and royalty, He will give you salvation and be King over your life, heart, actions, thoughts. Surrender to Him completely, totally, fully and without any reservation and obey Him without any interruption. Pastor (Dr.) W.F Kumuyi.
Ponder on this! We cannot be under two kings at the same time; nobody can serve two masters. If we are in the Kingdom of Christ, then we cannot be under the dominion of Satan and sin. Sin shall not have dominion over your life. Pastor (Dr.) W.F Kumuyi.
Reflection – Nothing will ever happen that the grace of God will not see you through, because it has been written of God concerning you, and you will not shake, falter, cringe, fall or compromise in Jesus Name. Pastor (Dr.) W.F Kumuyi
Words on the Marble – Whatever the trial, temptation, pressure, opposition or persecution, one day it will come to an end. Pastor (Dr) W.F Kumuyi.
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