The Cry of Easter
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel. March 27, 2024
Mark 15:7-15
INTRO:
The cry of Easter is the celebration that fills us with hope for fresh starts. It represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance of everlasting life. Easter also symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the promise of redemption for all believers. It is a time for introspection, renewal, and thanksgiving for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.
The celebration of Easter is captivating and truly remarkable. I witness the lament that commences with the initial conspiracy against Jesus Christ, leading to his eventual condemnation to death. In Chapter 15, we witness Jesus appearing before Pilate in A.D. 33. Unexpectedly, the chief priest convened a meeting with the Elders and Scribes, and they took Jesus away to deliver him to Pilate. While being taken to Pilate, he was relentlessly struck and beaten. When Pilate initiated the proceedings, we observe that in Vs. 2, a political inquiry was posed by Pilate: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responded, "You speak the truth." (Vs. 3) The chief priest made numerous accusations against him, but he chose to remain silent in response. (Vs. 4) Pilate inquired of Jesus, seeking his response amidst the numerous accusations. Jesus remained silent. Pilate was astonished and remarked that he had never encountered someone who refused to defend themselves. He struggled to comprehend Christ's actions.
The silence of a blameless life pleads more powerfully than any defence. The Cry of Easter by the chief priest, scribes, and elders to Pilate made it clear that Jesus was to be crucified, according to their beliefs. Why? What were their intentions? Jesus' teachings threatened the chief priest, scribes, and elders and they perceived him as a threat to their authority. They believed crucifying him would eliminate this threat and maintain their power over the people. Fear and a desire to maintain control were the driving forces behind their actions.
A. JESUS SENTENCED TO DIE
In verse 7, there was an individual named Barrabas who had been apprehended for committing acts of violent political extremism. It is worth noting that he was sometimes referred to as 'Jesus Barabbas'. Thus, they were faced with a decision between this criminal individual and someone held in high regard, but the outcry from the accusers was growing louder and louder. Pilate inquired of the crowd whether they desired their release by the one referred to as the "King of Jews."
The message conveyed is that the accusers of Jesus Christ saw his sentence as the resolution, unaware of the mistake they were making. They were on the verge of releasing the criminal Barabbas while punishing the innocent ones. Some individuals are currently experiencing deep emotional distress due to the hardships they are enduring, such as illness, false accusations, mistreatment, and relentless attacks from their adversaries. The remarkable event of Jesus' sentencing to death brought about a momentous turning point in human history. It brought liberation to the hearts burdened with guilt and provided the necessary solution for sin, resulting in ultimate deliverance. (Genesis 2:17) states that there was one tree in the off-limits garden. (From that tree, you must not eat; if you eat from it, you will surely die."
I can sense the pain in your voice if you have already been judged. I am here to bring liberation and allow the power of the Divine to put an end to that sorrow in this very moment. The act of Adam and Eve consuming the forbidden tree resulted in the introduction of sin and death into the world. However, by embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, we can discover the path to forgiveness and eternal life.
B. THE UNJUSTIFIED CRY
In verse 10, it becomes evident that even Pilate, a non-believer, recognises that the cry and accusations were fueled by envy. This highlights the moral decline of religious leaders.
The religious leaders, recognising the lack of justification for their accusations, proceeded to advise the people to release Barabbas instead. (Verse 11) Evil is reaching out to others in an attempt to justify their cause. (Matthew 12:43-45) 43 "After the impure spirit leaves someone, it wanders through desolate areas in search of solace, yet it discovers none." 44 Afterwards, it states, 'I will go back to my dwelling place, where I originated.' And when it arrives, it discovers the house empty, clean, and organised. 45 Then it brings along seven other spirits that are even more wicked, and they enter and reside there, resulting in a state worse than the initial one. And so it shall be with this wicked generation.
(Vs. 13) suggests that they shouted once more, demanding His crucifixion, to discredit His divine nature. Negative influences had a strong hold on the people, and their remorse seemed insincere. This message serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of denying the truth of God.
The call for redemption can be quieted by embracing the grace and mercy found in placing trust in God's plan for salvation. Release the burden of guilt and shame, and welcome the liberation that arises from embracing the love and forgiveness offered.
C. PILATED COWARDNESS
He saw the injustice and the plot to crucify Jesus, and yet he let the people have the choice. (Vs. 12) “Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will you then do unto Him whom you call the King of Jews?” The people kept crying loudly, Pilate succumbed to the pressure, and before that, he tried to send Jesus Christ to Herod as omitted by Mark (Lk Ch. 23).
Pilate's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of pressure and opposition. His cowardice ultimately led to the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting the consequences of allowing fear to dictate decisions.
Pilate's decision to give in to the crowd's demands showcases the dangers of prioritising personal safety over moral integrity. This event serves as a
cautionary tale about the consequences of succumbing to external pressures and compromising one's values.
Pilate's indecision and fear of the crowd ultimately resulted in him going against his own beliefs and condemning an innocent man to death. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritising personal comfort over moral integrity.
And if you are to grow and move towards what God wants, you need to leave your personal comfort zones and challenge yourself to act in alignment with your beliefs, even when it is difficult.
Four points here are crucial:
1. Stand firm in your beliefs, even in the face of external pressures. Only by staying true to your values can you avoid making decisions that you will later regret.
2. Stand firm in your beliefs, even in the face of adversity. This story serves as a reminder that staying true to one's values and principles is essential for personal growth and spiritual development.
3. Stand firm in your beliefs, even in the face of adversity. It is important to remember that true strength and character come from staying true to one's values, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
4. Stand firm in your beliefs, even in the face of adversity. By learning from Pilate's mistake, we can strive to make decisions based on our values rather than external pressures.
