What does "justice was denied Him" teach about Christ's trial and crucifixion? Setting the Phrase in Its Context • Acts 8:33: “In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.” • Luke records the Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53; the Spirit sends Philip to explain that the suffering Servant is Jesus. • The clause “He was deprived of justice” (or “justice was denied Him”) points backward to Isaiah 53:8 and forward to the Gospel accounts of Christ’s trial. A Quick Walk-Through of Christ’s Trials • Religious phase – Arrest in Gethsemane (John 18:3-12) – Interrogation before Annas (John 18:13-24) – Night session before Caiaphas and selected Sanhedrin members (Matthew 26:57-68) – Early-morning ratification by the full council (Luke 22:66-71) • Civil phase – First appearance before Pilate (John 18:28-38) – initial “not guilty” verdict – Hearing before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12) – Return to Pilate, mob pressure, sentencing, and scourging (Matthew 27:15-26; John 19:1-16) Specific Ways Justice Was Denied • Illegal timing and venue – Trials held at night and during Passover violated Jewish legal norms (Exodus 12:16; Mishnah Sanhedrin 4). • Predetermined verdict – “They plotted together to arrest Jesus in a stealthy way and kill Him” (Matthew 26:4). • False testimony – “Many false witnesses came forward” (Matthew 26:60; cf. Psalm 35:11). • Coerced self-incrimination – High priest demanded a confession under oath (Matthew 26:63-64), contrary to normal procedure. • Repeated civil exonerations ignored – Pilate declares, “I find no basis for a charge against Him” three times (John 18:38; 19:4, 6). • Mob pressure substituted for legal proof – “Crucify Him!” becomes the evidence Pilate yields to (Mark 15:11-15). • Exchange of the guilty for the innocent – Barabbas released; the Sinless One condemned (Matthew 27:21-26; Isaiah 53:12). Prophetic Roots and Certain Fulfillment • Isaiah 53:7-9 foretold a silent, flawless Servant “taken away by oppression and judgment.” • Psalm 22 sketches the mockery, piercing, and casting of lots. • Zechariah 11:12-13 anticipates the thirty pieces of silver paid for betrayal. • Every detail of the miscarriage of justice underscores Scripture’s precision and reliability. Why God Allowed the Injustice • Substitutionary purpose – “The righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). • Voluntary submission – “No one takes My life from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18). • Demonstration of perfect obedience – “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). • Display of divine love and righteousness – God remains just while justifying believers through Christ (Romans 3:25-26). Takeaways for Life and Faith • Be assured: Scripture’s prophecies are exact; every promise of God stands firm. • Stand in awe: the One wronged most deeply chose that path to redeem His accusers—including us (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Live justly: redeemed people are called to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8), reflecting the heart of the Savior who endured injustice for our salvation. |
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