Who Takes the Blame

A lot of possibilities were listed. I think we should investigate this morning.

The Romans (soldiers, Pilate) Matthew 27:27-31
Pilate was so violent that he was under watch, hence his timid behavior in the Gospels
Crucifixion was a brutal death sentence
They must have been the most responsible?
No

The Jews (their leadership) Matthew 27:15-26
Perhaps Pilate was right in verse 24 and the mob was right in verse 25
They were, after all, the one’s who wanted him dead.
The first 3 trials were Jewish. They were all done illegally.
People were afraid Gibson’s movie was spur anti-Semitism. In fact, he took out verse 25.
Surely they are most responsible for the death of Christ?
No

The Disciples (their fear) Matthew 27:3, 26:69-75, 26:56
They had acknowledged that He was the Messiah
They knew He was innocent
They had a lot of public support
They could have come up with a plan to save Him
They fled
Maybe it was the disciples that bear the guilt?
No

All Peoples (their need)
We are the one’s the made His death necessary
We dug ourselves into a hole
It was our sin that held Him there
Maybe we all take the blame?
No

God Himself (Isaiah 53:10, Romans 8:32, John 3:16)
“The controversy about who killed Jesus is marginal. He chose to die, His Father ordained it….God Himself was the chief actor in the death of His Son, so that the main question is not, ‘which humans brought about the death of Jesus? But what did the death of Jesus bring about for humans?’ (John Piper)
Long before the Romans nailed Him to the cross, His love was ready to hold him there
Long before the Jews plotted to kill Him, He had planned to give Himself up
Long before His disciples fled, He was willing to come for them
Long before we sinned, He was ready to be our savior