Holy Trinity Anglican Orthodox Church

The Governor Marveled Greatly

Matthew 27:1

 Palm Sunday

April 5, 2008

“The governor marveled greatly.”  The governor, as we all know, was Pilate, the Roman ruler of Palestine.  Jesus had been brought to Pilate in the hope that he would find a reason to execute Him.  Pilate’s reply is well known, “I find no fault in Him.”  But that would not satisfy the enemies of Christ who stood at the gates of the palace. Posing as the representatives of the Jewish people and threatening mob violence, they cried, “Away with this man. Crucify Him.”

Pilate knew Jesus stood before him to receive the death sentence.  Pilate knew that Jesus knew the charge was insurrection against Rome, claiming to be the King of the Jews, which would mean overthrowing Pilate and Caesar.  He also knew that Jesus knew the penalty for such a crime was the cruel torturous death by crucifixion.

What amazed Pilate was the total lack of any kind of defense or protest from Jesus.  It took several days to die from crucifixion.  The victim was placed on the cross in such a manner that he had to hold himself upright on hands and feet that were nailed to the cross with spikes, or, when the exhaustion became too great, let himself sink down into a position that prevented him from breathing. Either way, the pain was excruciating. Just the thought of those spikes  forcing their way through the feet, crushing bones and piercing tendons and sinews, was enough to send most people into hysterics, crying and begging for mercy.  They would lie, beg, bribe, and do anything to escape that fate.  Pilate was used to that.  He had sent many people to the cross, and he was accustomed to hearing their screams and seeing them grovel.  But Jesus stood before him, calm and brave.  He did not grovel, did not beg for mercy, did not defend Himself, or even recognize any authority in Pilate.  And Pilate was amazed.

Why was Jesus so calm? Why didn’t He defend Himself?  Why didn’t he tell Pilate He was no threat to Rome? Jesus had already made up His mind to go to the cross.  Knowing this was the reason He came to this planet, knowing that all mankind would burn in hell forever if He did not rescue them by His blood, knowing that our only hope of salvation was for Him to bear our sins for us on the cross, He calmly and deliberately gave Himself to the task.  What was Pilate but the means appointed by God to carry out the sacrifice of the Lamb of God?  What was the cross, but the altar upon which the Lamb was sacrificed? Why defend Himself before Pilate, except to show his complete innocence of the charges?  Why try to escape from the fate He chose for Himself before the foundations of the world were laid?

It was not guilt that sent Jesus to the cross, it was love.  It was not Pilate who sentenced Him to death, it was love.  It was not nails that held Him on the cross, it was love.  It was not the whip, or the cross, or the spear that killed Him, it was love.  He loved us and gave Himself for us.  Thanks be to God. Amen.  

The Rev. Dr. R. Dennis Campbell, Vicar, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 

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