Man Condemns the Son of God
VBC Albuquerque · Mar 17, 2024
The sermon examines Jesus' trial before Pilate, Herod, and the Jewish judges. Although Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times, political pressure and public opinion ultimately force him to condemn. The sermon emphasizes the contradiction between Christ's divine truth and human condemnation.
The sermon begins with the setting of the fourth trial before Pilate and the Jewish leaders, who accuse Jesus of inciting rebellion, forbidding tax payment to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ the King. When Pilate questions Jesus, Christ explains that His kingdom is not of this world, but is about truth. Pilate continues to ask, "What is truth?" and after questioning, concludes, "I find no fault in this man."
The second section presents Herod's intervention in the case. Pilate sends Jesus to Herod because He is a Galilean under Herod's jurisdiction. Herod and his soldiers treat Him with contempt, mock Him, dress Him in a gorgeous robe, and send Him back to Pilate. Notably, Pilate and Herod, who were previously enemies, become friends as a result—illustrating how people often unite against truth rather than for it.
The third section focuses on the final trial before Pilate. Although both Pilate and Herod find no fault in Jesus, the crowd continues to shame Him, spit in His face, strike Him, and place a crown of thorns on His head. When Pilate offers to release either Jesus or Barabbas (a notorious criminal), the crowd cries out, "Do not release Him; release Barabbas!" Finally, under political pressure from the threat "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend," Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.
The sermon reflects that this story reveals a fundamental conflict between the truth of Jesus and political expediency, self-interest, and public pressure. Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, but human weakness before power and public opinion prevents him from defending the innocent. This is a clear image of man condemning the Son of God, and humanity's choice between truth and the temporary concerns of the world.