Mat 27:33-37, Mar 15:22-26, Luk 23:33-38, Joh 19:19-22

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

[Study Aired September 6, 2022]

Mar 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
Luk 23:33 which is called Calvary,
Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Luk 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
Joh 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Joh 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin.
Joh 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
Joh 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Mar 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

Mat 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Luk 23:37 And (the soldiers) saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Mat 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;
Mar 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

In our last studies, the Jews put Christ on trial, and Pilate did not see where Jesus had done anything worthy of death. The Jews would not let Pilate release him and cried out that he should be crucified, and Jesus was sentenced to death.

Luk 23:13-24 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

The Jews are Jesus’ brothers in the flesh. Just as Joseph’s brothers sought to kill him, the Jews have been seeking to kill Christ. These are both types and shadows of what our brothers in the Christian community are doing, have done, and will continue doing to the true followers of Christ.

Gen 37:18-20 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Babylon may not literally kill the chosen, but many have been killed physically. However, they definitely do hate us because of our doctrines. God equals this hatred to being a murderer.

1Jn 3:13-15 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Our study this week starts at the location of Christ’s crucifixion.

Mar 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull,
Luk 23:33 which is called Calvary,
Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jesus is about to be crucified, and He cries out to His Father for forgiveness of everyone that took part in His conviction. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

This is what we must learn to do. First outwardly and then inwardly. Satan will tempt us to not forgive our accusers and to fear them. Christ is our example, and he is within his elect and gives them the strength to forgive. Jesus taught forgiveness when he shared how to pray.

Mat 6:6-15 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus is facing judgment, and “as he is, so are we in this world.”

1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

The people have no sympathy for Christ and His Christs. They wanted to see Him die a miserable death. Even today we are hated because we have the mind of Christ and are spiritually crucified by their hatred of the doctrines of Christ.

Continuing with our verses.

Joh 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Joh 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin.
Joh 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
Joh 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

The chief priests are angry with Pilate for the label he gave to Christ for all to see. Those in Babylon do not believe that Christ, as is known by the elect, is the true King of the Jews. They believe in another Jesus. They believe in a Jesus that will set up a worldly kingdom somewhere on a planet called “heaven” or on the “new earth”. We were all there yesterday, so we must “forgive them, for they know not what they do”.

Luk 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
Luk 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Mar 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.
Mat 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Luk 23:37 And (the soldiers) saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Mat 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;

Christ stands alone. All his disciples have denied him and the Pharisees, Sadducees, and all the Jews do not know that he is their Messiah. This fulfills his words he foretold his disciples. Also the scripture of the old testament are fulfilled.

Psa 22:16-19 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Mat 26:31-35 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Mat 26:55-56 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

We are all guilty of forsaking Christ and convicting Him without just cause. We do this by returning to our old ways after losing our first love. We spent three and a half years, symbolically, walking with Christ, yet we deny Him. We charge Him with blasphemy and sentence Him to death because we do not understand His doctrines. Christ has forgiven us, the elect, firstly so that we can follow in His steps and become “The King of the Jews” and reign with Him in the ages to come.

Rev 1:4-6 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Christ is crucified on the third hour.

Mar 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

The third hour is of great significance. ‘Three’ is equal to “The Process of Spiritual Completion Through Judgment”. This third hour is the beginning of the process of judgment for Christ and He still must suffer until there is no more “fleshly life” remaining.

Gospels In Harmony – The Trial of “The Christ” – Part 3

Matt 27:13-26, Mark 15:11-15, Luke 23:18-25, John 18:40, John 19:1-16

[Study Aired March 15, 2022]

Matt 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Matt 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Matt 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Matt 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Matt 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Matt 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
Matt 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Matt 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:
Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 
Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Matt 27:21 Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Mark 15:12 What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?
Matt 27:22 What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.
John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!
Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. 
John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.
Matt 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].
Matt 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.
John 19:8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
John 19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Mark 15:15 And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.
John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

In our last study we investigated the sin of envy and saw how it applies to each of us and what we must do to combat that sin. 

Matt 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Matt 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Matt 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Matt 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Matt 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Matt 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Today’s study we will see that no matter what Pilate desired, and even Pilate’s wife desired, they cannot convince the chief priests and elders to release Christ.

Matt 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Matt 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:
Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

They all cried out for Barabbas to be released. Let’s look at the meaning of Barabbas, and this will all make sense. 

Barabbas = son of shame, confusion

What is confusion?

Lev 18:22-23 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Confusion is the lust of the flesh. Spiritually speaking, it is following the doctrines of Babylon. Also it is dealing with how to interpret the scriptures. If not done properly this causes confusion.

1Cor 14:27-33 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

This is what the world chooses. This is the state of mind of mankind without Christ. Christ is the opposite of the desires of the flesh. They chose Barabbas because it was written in their book to do so.

Barabbas = son of shame, confusion

Psa 109:29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

Pilate speaks to them again, advocating for the release of Jesus.

Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Matt 27:21 Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
Mark 15:12 What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?
Matt 27:22 What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.
John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And [Pilate] saith unto them, Behold the man!
Pilate mocked the elders by dressing him up as a king which stirred them up even more.
Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. 
John 19:7 The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

As we saw in earlier studies, they had not established two or three witnesses against Jesus and therefore proceeded with twisting the words of Christ and used them as a confession.

John 5:15-18 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 10:31-38 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

Here are the laws they accused Christ of breaking:

Lev 24:13-16 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

Duet 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

They do not believe Jesus was sent by God as a true prophet, “the Truth”, and therefore they believe He is blaspheming the name of the Lord and was not commanded to speak for God. Pilate sees they will not back down from their decision.

Matt 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].
Matt 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children.
John 19:8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
John 19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Jesus proclaims the sovereignty of His Father to Pilate. Christ has not tried to defend himself because He understood His destiny. Everything He was doing is for the sake of the elect to be an example to them. Christ knows that the flesh must die so the new man will live.

Rom 8:1-5 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2Cor 5:14-17 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Finally, Pilate must give in and hand Christ over to them.

John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.
John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Mark 15:15 And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.
John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

Notice when this happens – the sixth hour. This symbolizes that the flesh must be destroyed because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom.

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

1 Cor 5:7-8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

This is Christ’s ending of preparing for his death which started in the following verses.

John 12:1-8 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

This is the end of the trial of “the Christ”, and the sentence is death by the cross. We must take comfort in this because we have the same destiny. The following verses describe how we die to the flesh.

Php 2:1-11 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospels In Harmony – The Trial of “The Christ” – Part 2

Matt 27:15-18, Mark 15:6-10, Luke 23:13-17, John 18:38-39

[Study Aired March 8, 2022]

Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.
Matt 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders,
Mark 15:3 the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
John 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
Matt 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing?
Matt 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 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 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
John 18:38 (a) Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? 
Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Luke 23:14 Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
John 18:39 (a) But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover:
Matt 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Mark 15:7 [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release [Jesus].
Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire [him to do] as he had ever done unto them.
Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

In our last study Jesus was turned over to Pilate at the judgment hall, and Pilate began questioning him.

Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and [to] the people, I find no fault in this man.

Matt 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders,

Mark 15:3 the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

John 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

Matt 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing?

Matt 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

John 18:31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
John 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 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 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Our story picks up with Pilate realizing Herod has jurisdiction in this trial and sends him to Herod.

Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

Herod finds no guilt in Christ and sends him back to Pilate. Jesus lets Pilate know His kingdom is not of this world, and He is the bearer of the truth.

John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

John 18:36 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 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Here is Pilate’s response.

John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?

Pilate, just as all the chief priests, elders and all of Judea for that matter, had no clue that “The Truth” was among them. Only the disciples were given this knowledge, and yet they all forsook him. Here is “The Truth” according to Christ.

John 1:15-18 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 14:1-7 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Christ is “The Truth” but not only Him. He is the head of His body, and His body is also “The Truth”. The scriptures tell us this in Zechariah and Isaiah.

Zec 8:3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Isa 43:1-13 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Col 1:14-20 In whom [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Rev 3:14 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

This is “The Truth” that Pilate and the world cannot know or understand.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
“before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”
“My kingdom is not of this world”
“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
“I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

Pilate continues the trial of Christ.

Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
John 18:38 And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].
Luke 23:14 Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined [him] before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
John 18:39 (a) But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover:
Matt 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Mark 15:7 [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him [Jesus], and release him.
Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire [him to do] as he had ever done unto them.
Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Envy is a sin that will destroy us if it is not dealt with properly. When we act as these chief priests and do not judge righteously, which is the work of the flesh, we commit the sin of envy.

Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

To properly deal with the sin of envy we are given the following.

1 Pet 2:1-10 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The chief priests and elders can only do what is written in their books so that the “Book of Christ” can be fulfilled. We must examine ourselves to ensure we are not guilty of envy.

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?