Like a Lamb to the Slaughter

Matthew 27:11-14

The great prophet Isaiah gave us this insight into Matthew 27:11-4, in Isaiah 53:7, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”  These words were spoken about 700 years before the birth of Jesus, and as pronounced those many years before, we see them played out in Jesus’ encounter with the high priest and then later with Pilate.

It was night, and by the laws of the Jews an unlawful meeting, when the high priest ask this of Jesus; “And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  The answer was true, but it was also the answer the high priest wanted, for he accused Jesus of blasphemy, and the others present agreed and said he should die.

That brings us to Matthew 27:11-14, “Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.”

Do you recall Pilate sending Jesus before Herod because Jesus was a Galilean and belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction; in today words we call that passing the buck.  Herod was excided to see Jesus because he had heard so much about Him.  In fact, Matthew tells us that Herod was hoping Jesus would put on a show for him, but no matter what the chief priests and the scribes accused Him of, Jesus remained silent.  Dr. Luke tells us Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him.  They arrayed him in splendid clothing, and he was sent back to Pilate.  What was the verdict of both Herod and Pilate, this man has done nothing deserving death.  But the crowds cried out “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas.  And when ask by Pilate what should be done to Jesus the leaders and the crowds shouted, “Crucify, crucify him!”

As a follower of Christ, I believe those voices in the crowd are once again saying be rid of Him, and the Him is Christ living in you and me.  It is amazing how one stance for the family has brought out the disgusted of the unchurched and people ignorant of Biblical truths taught in Scripture.  And do not forget those who claim to be followers of Christ, but the message is not Christian, it centers on hate, and fear, much like the KKK. 

It seems we need once again to define that Christianity is a Relationship with God:  One word will define it “Done” Jesus Christ has done everything that God the Father required.  It only requires you place faith in the finished work of the Cross, and if one asks God, He will give them faith to believe in the grace and the blood that was shed by Jesus to pay for sin, all sin, yours and mine.  Religion is defined by the word “Do” what action can a person do to earn a relationship with God?  And religion is very set on making all others adhere to it rules and doctrines, even to the point of death, and religion is taking place in Matthew 27.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice