Have you ever watched how others have responded when they are going through a trial? Better yet, have you taken the time to notice how you respond when you’re going through a trial? Our emotions, thoughts and behaviors all work off of each other. As you read Mark 15:1-5 Pilate was amazed at how Jesus responded to all the accusations that the religious leaders brought against him. Most people going through what Jesus was going through would have made some sort of defense, not Jesus. The chief priest had asked Jesus, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” The high priest will charge Jesus with blasphemy during their trial. Now as they take Jesus to Pilate they know that religious charges will not work with the Roman government. So when Pilate questioned Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus’ response, “It is as you say.” The chief priest brought three charges against Jesus. “Misleading the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” (Luke 23:2) The charges switched from blasphemy to treason. If you read your history on Pontus Pilate his past comes back to haunt him. Still Jesus makes no defense in all that is happening causing Pilate to be amazed. Jesus was going through a trial that would lead to his death on the cross. What did Jesus know that he wants us to know so that when we are going through various trials of life that we can know how to respond the way he did during his trial? Jesus knew that his Father was and is Sovereign, infinitely wise and perfect in his love not just toward Jesus but even toward us. Jesus knows that nothing is going to happen apart from the Father’s permission. “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?” (Lamentations 3:37) Most people struggle with the fact that God is sovereign even over the free acts of angels and men. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1) Jesus knew that his Father was in control. Jesus knew that his Father has infinite wisdom and exercises it always for the best outcome. God always does what is for our good and his glory. “Although Jesus was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which he suffered.”(Hebrews 5:8) We now have a high priest who is without sin and yet was tempted in every way we are and he is able to sympathize with us and intercede for us. God’s wisdom is such that it is unsearchable. (Romans 11:33) God’s love is perfect in that he always wants and does what is best for you and I. In love God gives us his Son. (John 3:16) I don’t know what trial or test that your are going through but you and I can know this from James 1:2-18, that God is in control of what your going through, he knows how he wants you to grow through this and he knows how long your going to have to go through what your going through. Jesus was able to go through this trial and face death on the cross not just knowing this in his head and heart but surrendering and submitting to his Father in prayer. Have you surrendered the outcome to the Lord and submitted yourself and situation to him in prayer?
Categories: Weekly Sermon