Luke 23 - trial or farce?
Published:Saturday | April 23, 2011 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Jesus is arrested on false allegations; that he was found "perverting the nation" - according to Luke 23:2. Judge Pilate, the weakling, conveniently declares that he cannot try a Galilean because he belongs to Herod's jurisdiction.
He is extradited to face Herod who, having heard of Jesus' miracle-filled evangelism, is anxious to be entertained by him. He asked the extradited accused to perform some miracles. Jesus would have none of that and refuses to be the judge's entertainer. The trial is aborted and a disappointed Herod mocks him before surrendering him to Pilate's court once more.
This toing and froing of Christ leads to the declaration of peace between two former enemies - judges Pilate and Herod. Pilate, having heard the false witnesses, declares that neither Herod nor himself "have found fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him" (verse 14). He finally succumbs to the wishes of the state, having allowed himself to be overruled by the rulers; when he suggested that clemency could be granted to Christ.
Pilate finally signs the execution warrant, knowing full well that it was unlawful so to do. He simultaneously signs the release document for Barabbas, the convicted seditionist-murderer.
Simon, from the African state of Libya, the town of Cyrene, another innocent man, is forced to bear the cross for a crime not made out and for which he was not even present during the farce of a "trial".
The execution of Christ marks the railroading of justice, the judiciary yielding to the wishes of perverse men in high places (the high priests and rulers, verse 13) , demonstrating that those who speak out against the evils of society will be "falsely accused of perverting the nation" (verse 2) and will be silenced at any cost.
"He is risen!"
Good will triumph over evil!
Amen!
I am, etc.,
BERT SAMUELS