Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first forty-three verses of the twenty-third chapter of this New Testament book. “And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying, that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 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. 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. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 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. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (Luke 23:1-12). “And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers of 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 a 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. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will” (Luke 23:13-25). “And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry? And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death” (Luke 23:26-32). “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 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. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Luke 23:27-38). “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). AND WHEN THEY WERE COME TO THE PLACE! I FIND NO FAULT IN THIS MAN! I, HAVING EXAMINED HIM BEFORE YOU, HAVE FOUND NO FAULT IN THIS MAN TOUCHING THE THINGS WHEREOF YE ACCUSE HIM! I WILL THEREFORE CHASTISE HIM, AND RELEASE HIM! FOR OF NECESSITY HE MUST RELEASE ONE UNTO THEM AT THE FEAST! RELEASE UNTO US BARABBAS! WHO FOR A CERTAIN SEDITION MADE IN THE CITY, AND FOR MURDER, WAS CAST INTO PRISON! WHAT EVIL HATH HE DONE! I HAVE FOUND NO CAUSE OF DEATH IN HIM! I WILL THEREFORE CHASTISE HIM, AND LET HIM GO! AND HE RELEASED UNTO THEM HIM THAT FOR SEDITION AND MURDER WAS CAST INTO PRISON! When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the beloved physician Luke describing the Lord Jesus being led from the house of the high priest where He was wrongly and falsely accused in religion’s house before religion’s leaders. In the opening verse of the twenty-third chapter of this gospel you will find the whole multitude of those who were present in the house of the high priest rising and leading the Lord Jesus unto Pilate—Pilate who was at that time the Roman governor over the city of Jerusalem. It would be there in the presence of Pilate—this Gentile and Roman prefect in the midst of the city of Jerusalem—the Lord Jesus would begin to be accused on multiple different fronts. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that there before Pontius Pilate the Lord Jesus would be wrongly and falsely accused that His enemies, His adversaries and His accusers might finally have the means to destroy and put Him to death. In the presence of Pontius Pilate those who led Jesus unto Pilate would accuse Him on the basis of allegedly finding him perverting the nation—and not only perverting the nation but also forbidding men and women to give tribute unto Caesar. Not only this but those who would accuse the Lord Jesus would further go on to declare of Him how He declared that He was Christ a King—something which the Lord Jesus never publicly declared in the hearing and presence of those in Judaea and Galilee. In fact if you take the time to read the four gospels you will find that whenever the unclean spirits and devils would cry out proclaiming and speaking of Jesus as being the Christ and the Son of the most high God He would always silence them and command them to be quiet. What’s more is that there would indeed be two specific instances when it would not be the Lord Jesus who would declare and speak of Himself as the Christ but rather one of His own disciples. If you take the time to read the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and the apostle John you will find that there were two separate instances and occurrences when Simon called Peter would indeed emphatically declare and proclaim that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. What’s more is that when we think about these two instances we also find the Lord Jesus instructing and admonishing His disciples not to publish nor proclaim that He Himself was the Christ. Oh there were countless times when the Lord Jesus would allude to Himself as being the Son of God who came forth from God and this declaration was such that would anger and offend the Jews. In fact it would be in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we also find the narrative of the Jews being angered and offended with Jesus—not only because He had healed on the sabbath but also because he had professed Himself to be the Son of God and therefore equal with the living God. What’s more is that the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is replete with instances within the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ when He would anger and offend the Jews because of the words which He would speak concerning Himself. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following passages found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew and the apostle John which describe those instances when Jesus was indeed referred to as the Christ and the Son of the living God by those who would walk with and follow Him: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20). “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them. What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (Which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) Where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Mesias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answere and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:35-51). “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, have no I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:60-71). I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for it would be in the coasts of Caesarea Philippi Simon called Peter would emphatically proclaim and profess Jesus as being both the Christ and the Son of the living God. It would be in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Andrew Simon Peter’s brother coming unto him and declaring how they had found the Christ and the one who was spoken of by the Law and the prophets. Within this same New Testament gospel—when Jesus asked His own disciples if they too would turn back and walk no more with Him—Simon Peter would emphatically declare and profess that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. This would indeed be the second time Simon called Peter would profess that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God—something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to. What’s more is that it’s actually remarkable when you consider the first and opening chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for it would be Andrew Simon Peter’s brother who would first proclaim and profess unto him that they had found that one who was called the Christ and was spoken of in the Law and the prophets. Oh how absolutely incredible it is that it would be Andrew Simon Peter’s brother who would first profess unto him that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Christ whom the Law and the prophets spoke of—something which would set the tone and the stage for this disciple’s own declarations and professions which he would make. Not only this but when Jesus heard Simon called Peter profess and proclaim that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God—not only would He proceed to speak of Him as blessed and speak of building His church which the gates of hell would not prevail against but He would also declare that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto Him but His Father which was in heaven. Important to note is that the apostle Matthew writes immediately after this how Jesus strictly and straitly charged His disciples not to declare or profess unto anyone that he was the Christ. When you read the words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find that when Jesus was standing trial before Pontius Pilate being accused by the chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people and perhaps even others who were present He would be accused of professing and saying that He was Christ a King. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s the stark contrast between the innocence of the Lord Jesus Christ as compared to Barabbas who was a prisoner and in custody at that time—and not only as compared to Barabbas but also as compared to the two thieves and malefactors whom Scripture revealed were crucified together with the Lord Jesus. Oh I find it absolutely astounding to think about and consider the tremendous truth that when the Lord Jesus was crucified on this particular day He was not crucified alone there at Calvary but was crucified between thieves. Not only would Jesus’ being crucified between two thieves signify that He would not be crucified alone but it would also fulfill the Scripture which spoke of His being numbered among the transgressors. There at Calvary Jesus would be nailed to a cruel Roman tree and would hang there naked, bleeding, bruised, scarred beyond recognition and with a crown of thorns upon His brow. It would be there at Calvary the Lord Jesus would indeed be crucified between two thieves who would indeed be guilty of crimes which Rome had determined was worthy of and punishable by death. The two thieves who were hanging there next to Jesus while He was present upon the cross were indeed guilty and even the one thief would speak unto the other and proclaim and profess their guilt as compared to Jesus who was entirely and altogether innocent. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am confronted with the incredible contrast which existed between Jesus of Nazareth and those who were considered thieves and malefactors during those days. What’s more is there would also be a contrast which would indeed exist between Jesus of Nazareth and a man whose name we learn as being Barabbas. In fact directly connected to this is the declaration Pilate himself would make concerning the Lord Jesus and how he found no fault in this man. Not only this but Pontius Pilate would further proclaim that he found nothing having been said or committed by the Lord Jesus that was worthy or punishable by death. In fact the four gospel narratives write and record how Pilate sought for and looked for opportunity to release Jesus rather than chastising Him, scourging Him and ultimately crucifying Him. Of course we know from this passage how Pilate declared unto the mob that He would chastise Jesus of Nazareth before letting Him go and choosing not to punish Him by and through death. Oh there is truly something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture for Pilate wouldn’t merely profess and proclaim that Jesus was innocent of any wrong but would also declare vehemently that he personally found no fault in Jesus. Oh stop and consider how absolutely incredible those words which Pilate spoke concerning the Lord Jesus truly are. Stop and think about what it would take for this man who wasn’t even a Hebrew and who did not believe the Law or the prophets concerning the coming Messiah and the Christ to profess and proclaim that He had found no fault in Jesus. Despite the fact that the angry mob and crowd was shouting all the more vehemently that Jesus was guilty and despite the many accusations which were hurled against Him it would be Pilate who would indeed declare and profess that he had found no fault in the Lord Jesus. Not only this but He would also profess and proclaim that He did not find anything in Jesus that was worthy of death and sought to release Him rather than put Him to death. I sit here today thinking about the declaration and profession Pontius Pilate would make concerning the Lord Jesus and how he would more than once declare that he found no fault within the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. Oh there is truly something remarkable and powerful about the words which Pilate declared and professed concerning the Lord Jesus for within them we are brought face to face with the wonderful and beautiful reality of finding no fault with the Lord Jesus. Stop and think about Pilate standing there in his place of authority hearing all the accusations which were lobbied against the Lord Jesus by the religious leaders and even by many of the Jews themselves. Imagine being Pilate and having this one being brought unto you whom the Jews and their religious leaders professed was guilty and worthy of death. Imagine being Pilate who had previously had multiple men and women brought before and unto him whom others declared and professed were worthy of death and his knowing full well they had indeed committed actions worthy of and punishable by death. Stop and consider how many times Pilate had heard countless accusations against those who had been brought into his presence and knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that such individuals were guilty. In fact there are within this very chapter three different individuals who were indeed guilty of their actions and those actions were punishable by death. If you take the time to read the words present within this passage of Scripture you will find that Barabbas was indeed guilty of a certain sedition or rebellion and of murder while the two thieves who were crucified together with Jesus were themselves guilty of their crimes which were punishable by death. Oh within this passage of Scripture we find a clear and present contrast between that One who was entirely and altogether innocent and those who were undoubtedly guilty—and not only guilty but guilty of actions which would be punishable by death. Barabbas would stand before Pontius Pilate accused of sedition and murder and would be found by his accusers and by Pilate himself as being guilty. What’s more is that not only would Barabbas be found guilty but sentence would ultimately be passed against him pronouncing him as being guilty of and deserving of death. I have to admit that the more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am completely and utterly captivated with the words which Pilate spoke concerning the Lord Jesus. If you take the time to read that which is presented in this passage of Scripture you will find that not once but more than once Pilate would profess and proclaim that he had personally examined the Lord Jesus and found no fault in Him. Oh there is a popular Christian book written by author Lee Strobel entitled “The Case For Christ” and in this book Lee argues the proofs that exist which do indeed and do in fact prove that Jesus is indeed the Christ and is indeed real. This book—and the life of the one who wrote it—was even turned into a movie which was recently released. I have to admit that although I haven’t read the book “The Case For Christ” I have watched the movie which provided the backstory for how Lee would wrestle and struggle with the existence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The findings that would be presented in the book would come from his attempts to examine a number of different professional and individuals whom he would personally ask questions and inquire of regarding the life of Jesus—and not only the life of Jesus but also the possibility of His resurrection, His death upon the cross, His suffering, and even His fulfilling the prophecies which were present within Scripture. In fact the entire premise of the book was centered upon the emphatic declaration that there is indeed a case for Christ and that it can indeed be proved and demonstrated that He is truly the Christ and the Son of the living God. In fact the very same thing which Simon called Peter would declare and profess concerning Jesus being the Christ the Son of the living God would be that which Lee himself would do—not only personally and in private but also through his book which has gone on to sell millions of copies throughout the years since it was written. With this being said concerning the case being made for the existence of Jesus the Christ and the Son of the living God I can’t help but think about what would happen if there was a book written about the innocence of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was indeed a book which was written to prove the existence of Jesus the Christ the Son of the living God who was born in Bethlehem and grew up in the town of Nazareth, however, there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what would happen if someone undertook the assignment and mission of writing a book—perhaps even entitled “I Find No Fault With This Man.” I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words which are found within this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about what it would take for men and women to not only profess and proclaim they found no fault with the Lord Jesus but also how they would boldly and emphatically declare that Jesus was indeed innocent of anything and everything He has ever been and is still being accused of. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about this is when you consider the fact that what took place during the days of Jesus when He stood before the high priest in the company of the chief priests, the scribes and the elders of the people still takes place today as religion and those who are religious continue to accuse the Lord Jesus of wrongdoing and offense. What’s more is that just as the Lord Jesus would stand trial before Pilate there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem as He was accused by religion and religion’s leaders so also does the Lord Jesus continue to stand trial during these days and within this generation. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely astonishing it truly is for it brings us face to face with the accusations which were brought against Jesus during these days and the accusations which are and have been brought against Jesus during our own generation. We must make absolutely no mistake about it when thinking about and considering the Lord Jesus for just as He was accused by religion, by religion’s leaders and perhaps even by many of the Jews themselves before Pontius Pilate and before the high priest so also would Jesus still stand accused by men and women during our days and within our generation. There is absolutely no doubt about it and no mistaking the fact that the Lord Jesus continues to be accused by men and women—oh perhaps not about paying tribute to Caesar, or about being the Christ, or about destroying the Temple but about a variety of other “offenses” men and women find with Him. It is at this juncture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the various different accounts of Jesus standing trial before the high priest during those days—and not only standing trial before the high priest but also standing trial before Pilate whom the Jews and the religious leaders would bring Jesus before to accuse Him. What’s more is that if you read the four gospel narratives written about and concerning the life of the Lord Jesus we find Jesus even being accused in the presence of Herod who was the tetrarch of Galilee who just so happened to be in Jerusalem at the same time of the Jewish feast and the same time the Lord Jesus would indeed be brought unto Pilate being accused by the chief priests, the scribes, the elders of the people and the like. Oh you cannot read the four gospel narratives without encountering and coming face to face with Jesus standing trial before Pilate, before Herod and before the high priest being accused of countless wrongs and offenses—none of which He was actually guilty of. I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay attention to each of these narratives which are found in the four gospel accounts of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ for within each of them we find the Christ and the Son of the living God standing trial before religion as well as standing trial before sinners and sinful men. Consider if you will the following narratives which are found in the New Testament concerning the Lord Jesus being accused in the house of the high priest, concerning Jesus being accused in the hall of the governor of Jerusalem as well as concerning Jesus’ being accused in the presence of the tetrarch of Galilee. Beginning with the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will find the following words concerning the trial of Jesus and those accusations which were brought against Him: “And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: neverhtless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?” (Matthew 26:57-68). “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: and when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor” (Matthew 27:1-2). “And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly” (Matthew 27:11-14). “Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 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? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 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. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether or the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. What’s 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. Then answered all the people, and said, his blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified” (Matthew 27:15-26). “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they head platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a many of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross” (Matthew 27:27-32). These passages were those which described Jesus standing trial before Caiaphas the high priest as well as Pontius Pilate as it was written and recorded by the apostle Matthew. Now here are the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark: “And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands” (Mark 14:53-65). “And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. 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 marveled” (Mark 15:1-5). “Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said unto them, What will ye that then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified” (Mark 15:6-15). “And the soldiers led him away into the hall, Called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purpose, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, and began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross” (Mark 15:16-21). Consider also the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke beginning with the fifty-fourth verse of the twenty-second chapter: “Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s houses. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them” (Luke 22:54-55). “And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? Tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? For we ourselves have heard of his own mouth” (Luke 22:63-71). “And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying, that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 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. 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. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 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. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (Luke 23:1-12). “And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers of 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 fo 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. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will” (Luke 23:13-25). Here are the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John concerning Jesus standing trial before the religious leaders and rulers of Israel as well as before Pilate who was the Roman governor of the city of Jerusalem: “Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, and led him away to Annas first; for he was the father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people” (John 18:12-14). “The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? Ask them which ears me, what I have said unto them: behold they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smites thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest” (John 18:19-24). “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early: and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 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: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: What hast thou done? 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. 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 hearest my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? 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. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover: will ye therefore that I release unto the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” (John 18:28-40). “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him with their hands. 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. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take. Ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God” (John 19:1-7). “When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 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? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me tune thee hath the greater sin. 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. 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. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” (John 19:8-16). “And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is in the Hebrew Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This tile 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 Gree, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The king of the Jews; but that he said, I am the King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did” (John 19:16-24). Now I fully recognize that I have just presented you with a tremendous amount of Scripture from each of the four gospel narratives concerning the life and ministry of Jesus. I am aware of the fact that I presented to you the various accounts of Jesus standing trial before Annas, of Jesus standing trial before Caiaphas, of Jesus standing trial before Herod and ultimately of Jesus standing trial before Pilate who was the Roman governor of the city of Jerusalem. I am absolutely convinced it is necessary to consider each of these accounts of the trials which Jesus stood during those days for if you take the time to read the words found in these texts you will find that Jesus didn’t merely stand trial once before one particular individual but stood trial at least four different times and before four different individuals. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for when you read these accounts you are brought face to face with the captivating truth that Jesus would indeed stand trial before religious leaders alike as well as before political leaders for not only would He stand trial before Annas and Caiaphas who were religious leaders and represented religion during those days but Jesus would also stand trial before Herod and Pilate who both represented the political realms and arenas of that day. How absolutely incredible and challenging it is when reading the words found in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous reality of Jesus standing trial before religion and sinners alike—and not only standing trial before religion and sinners alike but also being accused before both. Each of these gospel narratives presents us with the undeniable truth that the Lord Jesus would indeed stand trial before religion and sinners alike as He would be wrongly and falsely accused by those who would seek to bring accusation and false witness against him. I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke and I am struck with the words which Pilate spoke unto the Jewish mob together with their religious leaders. If you read the words presented in these verses you will find Pilate not only declaring that he had examined Jesus but also that as a direct result of that examination he had personally found no fault in Him. Stop for a moment and consider what it would have been like for Pilate at this particular point to not only hear all the accusations which were lobbied against and hurled at Jesus but also examining Jesus for himself. Imagine hearing absolutely everything Pilate heard on this particular day concerning the Lord Jesus—all the wrong and false accusations which were hurled against Him and then taking the time to personally examine Him for yourself. Oh we read of Jesus standing trial before Pilate, however, I can’t help but wonder what it was truly like for Pilate on this particular day. Scripture makes it very clear that not only did Pilate find no fault with Jesus but he also didn’t see anything in him worthy and deserving of death. More than this Pilate also sought time and time again to release Jesus and only consented to His being crucified to appease the mob to prevent a riot and tumult in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. This is something we must needs recognize and pay attention to for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth that Pilate heard all the accusations and charges brought against Jesus and had personally found no fault with Him. Pilate had personally examined and cross-examined the Lord Jesus himself and had determined that he had done absolutely nothing wrong nor anything that was worthy of death. Pause for a moment and consider what it would have been like for Pilate to have consistently pronounced guilty verdicts upon countless individuals who were brought unto him for punishment—a perfect example being Barabbas whom Scripture reveals was found guilty of sedition and even for murder. The more I think about the language presented in this passage of Scripture the more I am confronted with the fact that Pilate heard all the accusations against Jesus and still came to the conclusion that He was guilty of no wrongdoing. Pilate on more than one occasion on this day emphatically declared and proclaimed that he did not find Jesus guilty and instead found no fault in Him thus proclaiming and professing His innocence. Pilate had heard all the arguments against Jesus and had listened to all the accusations brought against Him and he was all the more convinced that Jesus was innocent of any and all wrongdoing for which He was being accused. Despite the many accusations which were brought against the Lord Jesus by the chief priests, the scribes, the elders and the religious leaders in the presence of Pilate he could find no fault in this man who was brought into his presence. Imagine being Pilate and having the eternal and only begotten Son of God standing before you being wrongly and falsely accused by religion and by an angry mob and determining within himself that Jesus was guilty of no wrongdoing. Imagine having the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God standing before you being accused by religion and an angry mob and determining that there was no fault at all that could be found in Him. Scripture makes it very clear that Pilate who was the Roman governor of the city of Jerusalem found absolutely no wrongdoing or fault within Jesus—this despite the many accusations and arguments which were made and brought against Him. Pilate had heard and listened to everything that was spoken against the Lord Jesus on this particular day and not only found no fault in Him but also purposed an determined to release Him. What we must needs understand, however, is that Pilate could not have released Jesus even if he wanted to for it was the predeterminate will of the living God that Jesus suffer in the flesh and ultimately be killed and crucified. I sit here today writing these words and I find myself being incredibly challenged by the words which Pilate professed and proclaimed concerning the Lord Jesus. Pilate made it very clear to the religious leaders and even to the angry mob that he found no fault in the person of the Lord Jesus, and did so more than once. There is a great truth found in this particular reality and declarations made by Pilate for it directly confronts something that is present within the hearts and minds of countless men and women within our generation. I am absolutely convinced that just as Jesus stood trial before religion during those days written of in the gospels and just as Jesus stood trial before sinners during that generation so also Jesus continues to stand trial today. I firmly believe there are countless men and women within the church and outside the church alike who bring their arguments and accusations against the person of the Lord Jesus. Moreover I believe there are countless men and women who bring their offenses, their complaints, their bitterness and even their ill feelings concerning Jesus—not only before Him but also before those in the church and even those outside the church. We would be incredibly naïve to think and consider—even for a split second—there are not those among us who continually bring their arguments and accusations against the Lord Jesus to his people. There is absolutely no denying the fact that there are countless men and women who have formulated their arguments and accusations against the Lord Jesus based on their own experiences with Him. Oh if there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in these passages of Scripture it’s that the accusations and arguments which were brought against Jesus were based on the personal experiences men and women had as they heard and listened to the words which He had taught and spoken. One thing you will notice is that Scripture does not paint a single picture of any argument or accusation brought against Jesus for anything he had personally done but rather based solely on those things which he had taught and spoken. The more I ponder this and turn it over in my mind the more I am confronted with the fact that there are countless men and women among us in this generation who have formulated their arguments and accusations against the Lord Jesus—not only because of what He has spoken but also because of what they feel He has done. What’s more is if you were to ask a number of people if they were angry with the Lord Jesus I can’t help but wonder how many people would answer yes. Not only this but if you were to ask one hundred people if they were angry with Jesus and if they were angry with Jesus what their reasoning and purpose was I wonder what the responses would indeed be. What do you think the stories would be if you began asking people if they were not only angry with Jesus but also why the angry with Him? What would the stories be if you started asking people if they were angry with the living God—and not only whether or not they were angry with God but also why they were angry with God? Oh time and time again there have been countless men and women who have become angry, bitter and offended with the living and eternal God—not necessarily because of what He has done but based on what He hasn’t done. There are those who are angry with the living God and with Jesus because He didn’t stop some tragedy or calamity from happening. There are those who are angry with the living God and the Lord Jesus because He didn’t answer their prayer(s) the way they wanted Him to and even when they wanted Him to. I write these words and I can’t help but wonder what would happen if the church took to the streets and instead of telling people Jesus loved them asked them if they were angry with Jesus. What would happen if men and women—instead of taking to the streets starting asking for peoples’ stories and what their lives have been like. What would happen if our street evangelism was not based on the proclamation that Jesus loves them but rather began with asking men and women if they were hurt, angry and offended with the Lord Jesus? What would happen if we took to the streets and asked men and women if they were hurt, angry and offended with and at the church and body of Jesus Christ? How would men and women respond if we asked them if they were angry with God? What types of reasons do you think you and I would get if we took to the streets and started asking people honest questions and whether or not they were angry and offended with the Lord Jesus. I read the words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke and I can’t help but find Pilate who was a heathen, a Gentile, a sinner and a Roman who heard the accusations against Jesus brought to him by religion itself and yet found absolutely no fault in Jesus. Imagine being a heathen and a sinner and hearing the accusations and arguments religion itself brought against the Lord Jesus and coming to the conclusion that you personally found no fault or wrong with Jesus. Permit me to ask you who might be reading these words whether or not you are willing to acquit Jesus of any wrongdoing or offense in your eyes. If you are one who has been angry and offended with Jesus and if you are one who has formulated arguments and accusations within your heart and mind concerning Jesus—are you willing to be such who would be willing to confront those arguments and accusations and ultimately come to the conclusion that there is absolutely no fault or wrongdoing with the Lord Jesus? Imagine being Pilate who was a heathen and a sinner hearing and listening to the myriad of accusations and arguments brought against Jesus Christ the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God and coming to the conclusion that you found no fault in Him. What’s more is that Pilate was completely neutral and was not biased in any way, shape or form for he wasn’t even a Jew but rather was a Roman governor and prefect in the city of Jerusalem. Here we have this heathen and Gentile and sinner who had absolutely no allegiance or alliance to the Lord Jesus to profess Him as being innocent and we find him emphatically declaring that he found no fault in Him. Pilate had absolutely nothing to gain by professing the innocence of the Lord Jesus and had not worked out some secret arrangement and agreement with Jesus behind closed doors if he somehow got Him out of this dilemma. There was no secret arrangement between Pilate and Jesus that would have caused Pilate to deliver Jesus from the hands of religion and from the angry Jewish mob. Pilate did not look to bargain with Jesus of Nazareth and simply asked Him questions to determined whether or not He was indeed guilty of committing anything that was punishable by death. This actually leads me to something which undoubtedly causes many to be angry and offended with Jesus—namely the fact they are unable to bargain with Him and create some agreement with Him to get what they want in their lives. There are men and women who w realize that Jesus did not come to cater to their whims, to their desires, to their wants and even to their agendas and as a direct result of this they are angry and offended with Jesus. Oh Pilate could have very well released Jesus without even considering the public opinion and consensus and yet I am actually convinced that it took more for Pilate to condemn Jesus to death than it would have for him to release Him into the population. What’s more is I am convinced that it took more for Pilate to condemn and sentence Jesus to death finding absolutely no fault in Him than it did for Him to release Him. Stop for a moment and consider what it would have been like for Pilate to find and pronounce Jesus as being innocent of any wrongdoing and still condemning Him to death despite his personal thoughts and feelings. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the accusations and arguments men and women have toward and against the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I continue to be challenged with and by the idea of what it would be like to go into the streets and begin asking people if they are angry with and at the Lord Jesus Christ. I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to go into the streets and personally ask men and women if they are somehow hurt, angry at and offended with the living God. What’s more is there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what it would be like to turn to the streets and ask people whether or not they were angry with the living God and not stopping there but asking them what they were indeed angry with Him for and because of. The more I read the words which are present in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding turning our attention to the streets and perhaps instead of leading with telling people that Jesus loves them or even that God loves them we ask them what their view and opinion of God the Father and His Son Jesus truly are. I read these words and I am brought face to face with how many men and women presently within their hearts and minds have found and continue to find fault with the person of the Lord Jesus—and not only with the Lord Jesus but also with God the Father. There is not a doubt in my mind that there are a number of men and women who are presently in a place where they are angry, hurt and offended with the living God and have formulated arguments and accusations against Him because of what they feel He somehow hasn’t done in their lives or for them. Very rarely will you find anyone angry and offended with God because of what He said and more often than not you will find men and women angry with the living God because of things which He allowed to happen and/or things he supposedly and allegedly did not do. It was during the days of Jesus when He was accused based on the words which he spoke while in today’s generation Jesus is not accused based on what He said but rather what He supposedly did and/or what He did not do and allowed to happen. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to draw your attention to the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding Pilate finding absolutely no fault or wrongdoing with the Lord Jesus and even professing and pronouncing as much. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for I am convinced one of the greatest challenges the church and body of Christ must needs commit themselves to is working with men and women to bring them into the place where they find no fault with Jesus. Imagine being used of God in such a way and in such a place that you actually help bring men and women to the point where they are no longer angry and offended with the living God and/or even the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Imagine being in a place where you were able to step into the stories within the lives of men and women and even the narratives they tell and have taught themselves and help them reach the place where Pilate was where he being a Gentile, heathen and sinner found no fault with Jesus. If Pilate who was a Gentile, heathen and sinner could find absolutely no fault with Jesus—even when He was accused by religion and religious leaders—then it is possible for men and women in our generation to reach the place where they find no fault with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is I would dare say that it wasn’t Jesus who was standing trial before Pilate but it was rather Pilate himself who was standing before Jesus and determining whether or not he would find fault in Jesus. What about you who are reading these words? Are you finding fault with Jesus? Have you found fault with Jesus? Have you been one who has been living your life angry at and offended with the living God and even with His Son because of what you feel they haven’t done for you and/or what you might feel they have allowed to happen within your life? What’s more is we must needs take this to the body of Christ as well and ask the question of whether or not you might be angry at and offended with the body just as much as you might with the Head because of what you feel they might have done to you. When we speak of the Head of the body which is the Lord Jesus Christ we more often than speak of what He hasn’t done and/or what He has allowed to happen to us while when we speak of the body of Christ we more often than not speak of what they have done. What an incredible dichotomy and contrast exists between an offense with the body because of what it has done and with the head because of what it allowed to happen. There are countless men and women among us in our generation who are angry with the body of Christ because of what they feel it has done to them while perhaps even at the same time being angry with the Head because of what he allowed to happen and what He could have prevented from happening but didn’t. What’s more is there are men and women among us who are and who have been angry with the Head because of what He somehow hasn’t done for them and what they personally felt He should have done. Stop and consider how absolutely liberating and freeing it is and could be to personally release Jesus in your heart and mind of any fault and any wrongdoing and offense within our hearts and minds. I firmly believe there is a great need for us to not only be deliverers of Jesus of any wrongdoing and fault within our own hearts and minds but also defending Jesus of any wrongdoing and fault within the hearts and minds of others. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to not only deliver ourselves but also help others deliver themselves from being those who have found fault with Jesus. We must needs be those who are able to examine the arguments and accusations that have been brought against Jesus—even the arguments and accusations we have brought against Him ourselves—and recognize that He is indeed good and His mercy endures forever. Oh that we would be men and women who truly recognize and understand that the Lord Jesus and the living God are indeed good and that their mercy endures forever, their mercies are new every morning, their grace is sufficient for us and their strength is made perfect in all our weaknesses. Oh that we would live our lives completely absent and set free from any offense within our heart—offense both with the living God and offense with the eternal and only begotten Son.