Jesus OR ________?
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Jesus OR ________?
Jesus OR ________?
Text: Matthew 27:11-26
Text: Matthew 27:11-26
Introduction
Introduction
We have now reached the place where a recent prophecy was given by Jesus Himself in 26:45
Matthew 26:45 “Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
Judas permitted himself to be the fulfilled of the prophetic truth of Jesus being betrayed. The remaining of the “true followers” fulfilled the prophetic truth of Jesus being abandoned by all. There was no one there brave enough to speak the truth about Jesus’ innocent record. All who did believe Christ were living in too much fear to be vocal about Jesus’ person. Judas hung himself under the pressure of guilt and hardness of his own heart and Peter was weeping in repentance of his shameful denial of being counted as one of the twelve.
Jesus had undergone questioning by the religious leaders of that day (26:57-66).
Now, the religious leaders, due to them being under Roman occupation, had to petition them in order to fulfill their desire of crucifying Jesus. Crucifixion was of Roman design and authority.
Today’s message will focus upon Pilate, the Jewish people and Jesus.
Let me pose this question to you: JESUS OR ?
Each and every one of us today (unbeliever and believer) have to answer this question multiple times a day.
For the UNBELIEVER — As God calls you to repentance and faith toward Jesus, you must answer from your own heart, ‘I receive Jesus as Savior and Lord’ or ‘I reject Jesus and will continue achieving my own way to heaven.’
For the BELIEVER — As God the Spirit leads, reproves and rebukes your heart, you must answer with, ‘Yes Lord, I confess the sin I have committed against the pure and precious Jesus and I submit to your will for my life’ or ‘No Lord, I am going to go a little bit further into loving my sin and selfishness.’
1) Jesus Or The Praise Of Men? (Pilate)
1) Jesus Or The Praise Of Men? (Pilate)
It is very possible that without the element of a very likely riot, Pilate would have gladly allowed Jesus to walk free from all charges.
Remember, all charges up to this point where all falsely fabricated.
Pilate himself said — Luke 23:14-16 “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.”
1 Peter 1:19 “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
Notice the “overruling hand of God.” Even when Jesus enemies were His judge, they could not find any fault in Him.
However, Pilate found himself under great pressure to altar the RIGHT JUDGEMENT to fit the desires of an anger and sinful mob.
APPLICATION:
This is often the case for us all today!
There will never be a time when there is not a PULLING or PUSHING on your soul to reject Jesus, refuse Jesus, trade Him for lesser things, etc…
Genuine repentance and receiving Jesus will often easily reveal itself to everyone.
Let us notice a couple of things about Pilate’s character:
FIRST — He cared more about procuring favor with the people than doing what was right
This is exactly what “self preservation” is all about.
Let’s soften the tolerances in our life our family and our church. That way, we will appeal to all and be liked.
Dear friend, their is something (someone) more important than achieving the appeal of family and friends!
Notice how Pilate tried to find all the wiggle room he could.
He appealed to the people’s desires.
He tried to divert their desire for crucifixion from Jesus to Barabbas.
Second — He manufactured a false way to a clean conscience
He even rejected the strange and mysterious warning from his wife.
He cleverly “washed his hands” as if that really removed any guilt from himself.
APPLICATION
Never seek the quick decision to gain acceptance and popularity from those around you!
Make the RIGHT CHOICE of choosing Jesus and become RIGHT with God the Father!!!
2) Jesus Or Envy? (Jew)
2) Jesus Or Envy? (Jew)
Here we witness the desperate wickedness of mankind.
Notice how there was presented to them a moment for SECOND THOUGHTS.
How often has God provided you with second thoughts; changes, opportunities???
What did you do with them?
It may very well be possible that God is given you one this very day!!!!!
Notice what they SETTLED for — a felon, robber, murderer, etc.
I wonder, if any of the crowd would become a victim to Barabbas’ future crimes?
Why did they intensify their request to crucify Jesus? (v23)
Notice verse 18 — ENVY or jealousy
They went to lengths of making sure everyone was on their side (v20)
What would they be jealous over???
Jesus was the great disrupter of their religion.
Jesus proclaimed that He was THE WAY and their religion was NOT!
Jesus told them the truth, He shined light on their dark heart, he revealed what was true holiness, etc…
Imagine their reasoning… “I’m not letting this guy disrupted what I have devoted my life too” or “I’m not stepping away from what I want to identify myself to be”
In simple terms, they were determined to keep their sins and not let them go.
We should never be surprised at the wickedness displayed in the world and often times in our own hearts.
There is nothing that the heart of man is not capable of thinking or doing!
Let us always MISTRUST our own HEART.
Even when the believer is being led by the Spirit, their heart is still wicked!!!
There is SOMEONE you can ALWAYS TRUST; His name is JESUS!
3) Save Yourself Or Others? (Jesus)
3) Save Yourself Or Others? (Jesus)
Illustration: What are often times the first words/request out of someone’s mouth who is being accused of a crime? I’m innocent & I want a lawyer.
Jesus had several oportunities to speak for himself regarding His innocence.
QUESTION — Did this day, hour, mob of people and false accusation surprise Jesus? NO!
Mark 15:4-5 “And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.”
TAKE HEED
Amidst the multiple charges, Jesus was content to endure their contradictions.
Hebrews 12:3 “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
There is a HUGE CONTRAST between the FIRST ADAM and the SECOND ADAM.
The first Adam was guilt and yet tried to shift the blame onto His wife.
The second Adam (Jesus) was guiltless and yet made no attempt to defend himself.
Isa. 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”
LISTEN…He remained silent so you today would have a voice before the Father.
God could have left us all speechless in our sin and guilt!
Take a closer look at the substitution of Jesus for Barabbas
We witness the innocent for the guilty.
The innocent died for the guilty.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Quote: “May we never rest till we can say by faith, ‘Christ is mine.—I deserve hell, but Christ has died for me, and believing in him I have hope of heaven.” — J.C. Ryle
I will end with the question I began with; JESUS OR ???? Will you make the right choice today? It could be your last!