On September 11, 1934, theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the following words in a letter to a friend:
“We must finally stop appealing to theology to justify our reserved silence about what the state is doing—for that is nothing but fear. ‘Open your mouth for the one who is voiceless’—for who in the church today still remembers that that is the least of the Bible’s demands in times such as these?”
Bonhoeffer penned this plea as the Nazi regime was gaining power, the death toll was growing, and many of his fellow Christians remained silent. He watched in horror as the German church failed to speak up and do what was right, choosing instead the false innocence of silence.
Eighty-five years later, it is easy to look back and judge. It’s easy to wonder how Christians in Germany failed so miserably. And yet, to do so is to deny one of the most common tactics of sin: shifting blame.
Blame-shifting is a thread that runs throughout Jesus’s trial in Luke 23. Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, and he does not want to execute him, and so he hands Jesus off to Herod (v.7). Herod, in turn, sends Jesus back to Pilate (v.11). Pilate then appeals to Jesus’s accusers, suggesting that a lesser punishment would be appropriate (v.16–20). But the crowds are unsatisfied. They will settle for nothing less than the death penalty. For a third time, Pilate pleads with the crowd to be reasonable (v.22), but they will not be dissuaded. Finally, Pilate finally hands Jesus over to them.
It would have been easy for Pilate to blame the crowd for Jesus’s fate. After all, he spoke up—multiple times!—but they insisted. What more could he have done? It also would have been easy for Herod to blame Pilate. After all, he didn’t kill the man. He simply handed him over to someone else.
This is what sin does. It shifts blame while insisting on its own innocence: So long as I wasn’t the one nailing Jesus to the cross, or rounding up my Jewish neighbors, or leading the lynch mob—I am innocent.
However, when we read the story of Pilate, we are reminded that God holds us to a far higher standard. The story of Pilate chastens us with the truth that a holiness built on omission, inaction, and looking the other way is no holiness at all.
In Stuart Townend’s famous hymn, “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” he describes the events of Luke 23 this way:
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It’s difficult to imagine mocking our beloved Jesus. It’s nearly impossible to envision a time when we might look into His heartbroken eyes and jeer, impossible to imagine that we might be included among those for whom He prayed, saying, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (v.34). But the tragic story of Pilate reminds us that sometimes the loudest act of abandonment is choosing to say nothing at all.
Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband Ike. She also holds a PhD on women and calling, and is the author of Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You.
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64 thoughts on "The Death of Jesus"
❤️
But the tragic story of Pilate reminds us that sometimes the loudest act of abandonment is choosing to say nothing at all.
“And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’” (Lk 23:35) He refused to save Himself because He came to save us. He could’ve come down off the cross. But He chose to stay. To suffer. To die. For you and me.
Father forgive them!
Jesus died to save us, and Luke 23:24 is a prime example of this. While suffering at the hands of the people, Jesus still had the strength and tenacity to cry out on our behalf. Forgive them even though the persecute me. Forgive them even though they mock me. Forgive them even though they are not evil. Forgive them because you first loved them and taught me in the flesh to love them also.
As a brown-skinned woman, I read this and thought how many churches don’t openly stand against racism. I thought about how many people who consider themselves white don’t speak up when they are amongst someone who is slandering or saying horrible things about an ethic group. To get past racism is to talk about it and not stand for it when ignorance is shown. It breaks my heart how many churches stand by and do nothing. Do not remain silent. If you know someone who is of brown skin, speak to them, ask questions, gain understanding of what it was like for them growing up. We actually appreciate it so much when someone does it :) Let’s stop the sin or racism.
Prayers we as the church speak boldly!
“Of” racism. Not “or”
Jamila~ well said! I feel the church needs to integrate more with open dialogue and cultural events ~ sharing in music and art from various ethnicities so we can begin to understand each other through love of music, art, food and life events! The more we share in these cross cultural happenings the more we come together and ban the fear and negativity towards one another ! Let’s begin the dialogue!
How often do I choose something so much less than Jesus? I beg and plead to have certain things my way instead of jesus’ way. How many times have I asked and been given things that I thought would please me, make me whole, happy, secure instead of the only one who can bring wholeness? I’ve traded in for so much less when I could have the whole world (Jesus).
23But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
Tina, sending you a virtual hug right now as well as lifting you up in prayer.
“The false innocence of silence” – !!!! Jesus is allowing me to hear his voice more clearly, and to speak with boldness, without the fear of damaging my reputation, or losing my appearance of innocence by saying the wrong thing. It’s really hard, though! I realize how much I have agreed with the fear of man, and the accuser, instead of Jesus. It is so good to agree with Jesus, and to start walking the bumpy and messy road of speaking up when he presses me to do it❤️ Please pray for me!
Tina, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family, that you’ll have peace in this dark time, and you’ll be comforted by the power of the Holy Spirit. ❤️
This is a very powerful message especially with what is going on in our world right now. With NY, CA and all over the world. We must speak up for the voiceless and our hearts must break for what breaks His.
The church continues to remain quiet on many big issues to avoid “stepping on toes”. No wonder the world has so much resentment toward the church today. We need to be the “light of the world” and rise up to action on more social justice problems. Instead of pushing personal agendas we should be pushing grace and love. I am speaking for myself as well. Love to you sisters!
So true Rachel! There are so many topics that needs to be addressed. As a brown-skinned woman, I am more sensitive to racism needing to be spoken out against as well. Churches need to not remain silent.
Jesus, our example. (Looking even only at this passage)
Sometimes he spoke. So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.”
Sometimes he was silent. Herod was very glad to see Jesus: for a long time he had wanted to see him because he had heard about him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by him. So he kept asking him questions, but Jesus did not answer him.
Sometimes he allowed help from others. As they led him away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry behind Jesus.
Sometimes he helped others. A large crowd of people followed him, including women who were mourning and lamenting him. But turning to them, Jesus said, … (whether these were hired mourners or not, Jesus’ thoughts were on how his words might still reach out to them).
Sometimes he was mocked. Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
Sometimes he was revered. But the other answered, rebuking him:…Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Always he was committed. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.
I want to be like Jesus.
I find myself like Pilate (wanting to please), Herod (wanting to be entertained), Simon (seized to serve), the mourning women (whining), and the criminals (prove yourself and do something good for me while you are at it Jesus, or Wow, you really are God, please remember me).
After the fact: After Jesus death the people realized the obvious, The Centurian said, “This man really was righteous.” All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. (Too often, after the fact, I get the obvious also either admitting Truth, or beating myself up because I missed it.)
Then…there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action…was looking forward to the kingdom of God…asked for Jesus’s body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. (He was a follower of Jesus and stood against what was taking place, although he was unable to prevent it (which would not have been God’s plan anyway). He did what he could…helped with the body of the one he loved, and gave what was needed.)
The watching women got the spices and perfumes ready for after the Sabbath. (These were the “Marthas…”)
And now, Lord, consider the times, and grant that we may be your servants and speak your truth with all boldness, while Stretch out our hands in Your power for healing, kindness, goodness, and love; the signs and wonders performed in the name of Your holy Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with your Holy Spirit to live boldly for You, not for ourselves.
Amen.
A little poem that I had framed after my mother went to heaven. Its truth has comforted me since my daddy went to heaven too.
“Death can hide but not divide.
Thou art but on Christ’s other side.
Thou with Christ and Christ in me,
United still in Him are we.”
With love and prayers, Tina
Thats beautiful ❤
Oh Tina, what a difficult time for you. I’m lifting you in prayer to the One who carries us through these sorrows. You are a blessing to all of us and to know your heart is breaking, breaks mine as well. Hugs to you across the pond, sweet sister. ❤️
What struck me today is when Sharon said at the end of our devotion. “Sometimes the loudest act of a abandonment is to choosing to say nothing at all”. I know I’ve been guilty of this. Sometimes it’s because I don’t know what to say. May I draw strength from Christ who gives me strength to do it all. Philippians 4:13.
Tina, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom almost 9years ago. I miss her everyday and can’t wait to see her again in heaven. I’m praying that your heart be comforted.
Thankful for His unfailing love. For all the Saints that have stood in Jesus name to proclaim Truth. We are in a battle our Lord has already won. May His words flow from our mouth when we need to speak up. Praying for women and the unborn babies. Jesus may we rise up against these horrific things with you and stand with you in grace for all those who have already been hurt. Protect the babies and women Lord and give us your voice for those who can not speak. In your holy name my Jesus I pray.
Tina, so sorry for the loss of your mother. I can’t imagine what that’s like. Fall into the arms of Jesus and let him hold you in your grief, in your loss. He is rejoicing as they welcome her into heaven where all is made new and every tear is wiped away and I pray that in the midst of your sadness, that you find peace in knowing she gets to celebrate every day with Jesus and someday you will too. I’m so blessed by your comments everyday and thankful to know you through the SRT community. Love, from across the pond: ) This community is here for you, supporting you in prayer.
“For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontus Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Isreal, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you startch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed the place where they had assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God. Acts 4:27-31
While reading Sharon’s devotional today all I could think about was the recent news about policy change regarding late term abortion in NY and Virgina. I am not a person very focused on politics and current events (I get my news from Facebook, sorry!) but these realities are pretty sick. I don’t have words for ANY of this today. I’m not really sure how I am supposed to speak up when I have no words or thoughts on how to respond.
So, I pray.
I pray God, you will move in our country. I pray for all types of hearts to turn toward you. I pray our collective prayers will cause true change. I pray our prayers will cause the country to be shaken, filled with your Holy Spirit, that all of us will have the words, and we would begin to speak your word, the word of God…. with boldness.
Father, forgive them. Save us.
Amen.
Please pray for my husband and I. We are self employed. 2018 brought a lot of good but tough changes to our business and the start of 2019 has been hard. Pray that we would pray without ceasing, hope in the Lord and trust his plan and timing. I know it’s in His hands, but it’s hard not to worry about the unknown.
In one perspective, it could be that the devil is really trying hard to prevent something wonderful from happening and to make us want to give up. On the other hand, it could be God’s way of leading us in a different direction. It’s unclear, so I’m just trying to put my hope and trust in Him no matter the outcome and to remain a reflection of Him in the work place.
I’m praying for peace, stability and clarity for you both, Amanda!
Oh Tina, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is so hard! Praying right now for God’s peace to meet you in your grief.
Tina, my sweet sister! Praying for the Father to wrap you in His arms this morning! Wish I were with you to do the same.
Yes, we should take action in the way that the author is urging us to do so. However, there are other actions that I must take up as well.
Pray without ceasing.
Hope without fail.
Love any way.
Forgive quickly.
Speak of the promise within me.
Churchmouse- when I was reading through this I too was struck with how much we are like the German church right now. Staying silent while the enemy leads so many to destruction! So convicted! My prayer is for boldness! For total reliance on Yeshua to give us the words to say! No hesitation to love and to minister and to show peace!
Tina, I am so sorry for the giant loss of your mother. I will be prayerful over you in the coming days and weeks. I hope that wonderful memories help to fill you with a peace this week. Love to you sweet friend! ~ B
Churchmouse, I stand with you. The rulings in Virginia and New York have my heart hurting. Prayerful for big change in our country. ~ B
Lord, may we be a people of action. May we daily answer Your call to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.
Tina, I too lost my mom about 4 years ago while pregnant with twins and I didn’t think I could go on! But God!!! He has sustained, carried, encouraged, lifted and walked my through as my precious Shepherd! She is now in the Church Triumphant sling with your mom where there are no more tears or sorrow. Praying for you dear sister!!!
Thank you, Sharon, for a very thoughtful reflection on these passages.
Thank you for this reading today. I never thought of things in this way and I too am guilty of blame shifting in areas of my life. Thank you, Father God for always loving me and forgiving when I don’t realize what I am doing. My eyes are now open to see this for what is it, sin that destroys. May I strive to live better!
Reading this passage was difficult because I truly understand that it was my own sin that led the Son of God to die so horribly upon that cross. BUT, I am so overwhelmed with His love for us because He did it, knowing that we would continue to sin but so that we could still spend eternal life in His presence! Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and loving actions, You are Risen!!!!
Something spoken often in my church: “Our theology should never get in the way of our ministry”… if my interpretation of something in the Bible is keeping me from being Christ to any person or group- keeping me from showing freedom, grace, love, kindness, inclusion- then it’s useless and I’ve got the whole idea upside down…
The crowd (i.e. the world) calls for the release of a rebellious murderer rather than having the courage to stand with Jesus. Pilate, wishing to please the crowd, hands Jesus over to be crucified. It is easy to be critical of the crowd, but how often have we stood with the world because we did not have the courage to stand for Jesus? As today’s devotion points out, silence is a sin of omission; and, if I am truly honest with myself, I must admit that I, too, am guilty of this at times. I am praying that the Lord will continue to strengthen me in my faith and each day grant me the courage to stand for Him in a dark world.
Thank you for these insights Jeannie, you have opened my eyes to my own silence and passivity.
Tina, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I pray that you and your family will feel God’s comfort and peace in knowing you will one day be with her again. I look forward to meeting her (and you) one day.
Tina, you seem like a wonderful, loving person. May God comfort you, give you peace, and may the joy of the Lord be your strength always. May you feel His Presence and Love at all times. May He hold you in His loving arms.
Oh Tina! I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to loose a parent especially mom. But knowing she is in the arms of Jesus is such a blessing! It brings a peace that passes understanding just knowing where she is. My mom went home 9 years ago. It does get a little easier to get through each day without her but I still miss her so much. Praying for you and your family during this time of mourning. ❤️
Sunday January 27 was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Not a word about it was spoken in my local church. I had forwarded several emails to leadership, reminding them. Just in case they had forgotten that which should never be forgotten. The percentage of people who either deny or cannot accurately explain the Holocaust rises every year. I’m wondering if my local church, this coming Sunday, will mention what recently occurred in New York and Virginia. I forwarded several emails to church leadership. There are those who do not know the truth behind Roe vs. Wade or the truth behind the founder of Planned Parenthood. We cannot assume that they know and understand and believe what God’s Word says. Who else is weeping over what is escalating in our own country? Oh church, we cannot be silent! Will the stones cry out because we won’t?
I stand with you in all these things. I felt the tug of God on my heart this morning to stand for the unborn. I perceive my church to be so concerned about offending anyone that they don’t say anything at all. I attend a very popular network of Churches that, in my opinion, are willing to ignore basic tenants of our faith as to not make church “unpleasant” for anyone. God’s grace is greater than anything, but I feel we are sinning all over grace by not taking a stand. I hope this makes sense. Thank you Churchmouse.
I am churchmouse… I am weeping. I am heartbroken at what we do to the voiceless. Are the unborn not the most “unreached people?” Yet my church is quiet on that too… though one in four women… even sitting in church… have had an abortion and need help, forgiveness, that they can find nowhere but in Jesus.
Thank you Churchmouse for this comment!!! Everyone please pray for and support your local Pregnancy Resource Centers— they are leading this fight— they would be happy to speak at your churches!,
As I lie here beside my sweet baby girl I grieve for all the other precious babies who have lost their lives to the atrocity of abortion. I pray every day for God’s mercy to fearful expectant mothers and the babies they are carrying.
Tina, so very sorry for your loss. May you feel our Lord’s peace with you all.
Tina, Im praying for you and your family.
Tina, dear friend, how blessed your mum was for having a daughter like you. Surely she felt your love throughout her life. Now she is experiencing the love of your beloved Jesus, healthy and whole in His embrace. One day, dear friend, you will behold them both. What a glorious day that will be!! Praying for peace and comfort for you and all the family and friends.
Oh, Tina! So very sorry for your loss!
Not 12 hours ago, I said goodbye to my wonderful, beautiful, heart bigger than mine, mother..
Called home, losing her has left a whole that is going to take the rest and beyond of my life to fill.. heartbroken would be an understatement
But God..
He brought me to this study this morning to read about the death of His son and how a kind man.. took Him Jesus and placed Him in his reserved tomb..
I felt through my sorrow, that because of Jesus, because of His gracious sacrifice, His humbling plea for God to forgive us, for we know not what we do.. that for mum being called home, has been an ‘I welcome you home my child.. All and everything is forgiven.. Come..welcome home…
Thank you Lord God.. for the gift of your open arms, for the love you carry for every unique individual you call your own.. Thank you that because of Jesus I know without a doubt that I will see and be with mum again, but for now she is in your safe keeping.. Lord , though my heart is broken, I praise and glorify you and with a thankful heart I say THANK YOU for the amazing woman you gave me to call my mum..
EVERY BLESSING sisters.. with love…xx
Tina, I am so sorry for your loss! I pray that the Lord will be a strong and mighty presence in your life during this time. That He will be your Rock and your Shelter. That His Spirit will speak words of comfort and peace to you.
Oh, Tina, I’m so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you were able to visit her recently. I pray that God will grant you His peace that passes all understanding. You have many friends here, across the pond, who love you and are praying for you. May God hold you in the hollow of His hand as you grieve.
Tina, I am sorry for your loss and the sorrow you feel. I am also rejoicing as a beloved child goes home and her beloved child lives on to serve and glorify her Lord. What better legacy for a parent than to have their child know and love God. Your mum continues to touch lives through your faith and witness. God bless you and comfort you.
“Surely, He has bourne our grief and carried our sorrows.” Thoughts and prayers for you. ✝️
I am so sorry for your hurting Tina! I pray that you continue to find comfort and strength in His word and all of our SRT sisters.
I’m praying right now for you, Tina. Your faith in the midst of heartbreak is beautiful.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Tina. Saying goodbye to a parent is the hardest thing, no matter how old or young we are ❤️ The Lord truly is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. May Jesus give you grace and peace for the days ahead.
I know exactly how you feel except when I lost my mom I didn’t know Jesus or much of the Bible at all. So thankful for the comfort of Jesus through weeping and mourning. Prayers for you and your heart❤️
Tina, I am so sorry for your loss. We, your sisters will be praying for for comfort. I am well aware that the pain doesn’t go away but it does get better. My daddy passed away over 10 years ago and I miss him every day. And just like you, your mum, he was an amazing person who loved Jesus very much. Our parents are completely healed! Tina I will be praying for you my dear sister.
Sending you prayers and a big hug Tina.
Tina, I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom 7 years ago and there is still an ache there. However, I look around at this world we live in, at both the good and bad, and I remind myself that she is so happy now. Free of disease, free of worry, free of all of the daily burdens of life and I am filled with peace. No
one can replace your Mum, but God will fill that void and soften that ache. Praying for you and yours during this time and for the months to come.
My prayers are you with you & yours ❤