The Cry Of Easter Series

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.