WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS?

TEXTS:  Acts 2:22-24

INTRODUCTION:

1. Newsweek Magazine cover story for week of 2/9  "Who Killed Jesus?"
2. Everyone asking in view of Mel Gibson's new movie, "The Passion of the Christ"
3. At least six different accusations could be leveled

 THE JEWS KILLED JESUS

1.        This view is responsible for much anti-Semitism through the ages.

2.        Inquisitions, ghettoization of Jews, Holocaust

3.        Jewish people have a legitimate fear

4.        Jewish Leaders wanted to preserve their nation and their place of authority – John 11:49-50. 

5.        It could be argued that they had the Jewish nation at heart and legitimately feared what the Romans would do to anyone claiming to be king of the Jews.  More likely, they did not believe and wanted to preserve their power.

6.        John 7:1, 19; John 10:31

7.        Acts 2:36

8.        Yes, the Jewish leaders were culpable in Jesus death

9.        But did Jesus hold them guilty?  "Father forgive them for they know not what they do"

 THE ROMANS

1.        John 18:28-32 (esp. v. 31b)

2.        But at this point the matter was squarely in Pilate's hands

3.        Matthew 27:27

4.        Crucifixion was a Roman means of capital punishment, not Jewish

5.        So, the Romans were the ones who actually carried out the death sentence

 GOD

1.        John 3:16

2.        Isaiah 53:4-5

 JESUS HIMSELF

1. John 10:11, 15
2. John 10:17-18
3. He remained silent like a sheep before His shearers and a lamb led to the slaughter.  He did not defend Himself against charges being brought against Him because He resolutely planned to die.
4. Hymn:  "He could have called Ten Thousand Angels..." Matthew 26:53

 SATAN - The archenemy of God and humanity

1.        The power of death was in Satan's hands - Hebrews 2:14

2.        John 13:27 – Judas

3.        Luke 22:53 – power of darkness

 ALL OF US - HE BORE THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD - WE ARE ALL GUILTY!

1. Isaiah 53:4-6

 CONCLUSION:    Who really crucified Jesus?

1. Was it the not the Jews?  Yes!
2. Was it not the Romans?  Yes!
3. Was it not God who planned it to happen?  Yes!
4. Was it not Jesus Himself who allowed it to happen?  Yes!
5. Was it not Satan who threw the pall of death over Jesus?  Yes!
6. But was it not all of us for whose sins He died?  Yes!
7. Not withstanding all that has been said, none of these accusations can stand.  What jury would ever convict anyone of murder if the "victim" were very much alive?  Christ lives!
8. There is no condemnation those those who are in Christ Jesus
9. Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it - John 3:17