A SACRIFICE WAS NEEDED!

A SACRIFICE WAS NEEDED!

John 18:12-14

12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

John 11:49-53

49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Wispy ropes bound the Creator of such a one as Samson then led him away to the High Priest. Since the government of Israel had been usurped by Rome, the Jews no longer had the authority to put a prisoner to death. They were left only with their ostentatious sword rattling and garment rending. Throughout the night Jesus was shuffled from one potentate to another until finally, early in the morning, Jesus was led away to the Procurator Pilate.

Neither did Pilate’s wife rest that night because her sleep was troubled with dreams. It is interesting that God warns man that his actions are unacceptable. In many ways the Spirit tries to steer us away from foolishness. Listen as she speaks to her husband.

Matt 27:19

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.

Caiaphas understood Jesus to be politically expendable. He would die in order to quell rebellion. Pilate had similar thoughts but from the opposite side of the issue. Jesus would die as an example to any and all who would dare to challenge the authority of Rome. Perhaps it was this reason a sign was attached to the cross which read: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews!” Pilate’s wife, on the other hand, understood that Jesus was a just man. As every sacrifice must be pure, perhaps she understood the situation best.

Thank you, Jesus, for being my sacrifice. AMEN