Topic(s): Jesus

1. From the viewpoint of Judas, it was about silver. Judas was a thief and a traitor (John 12:4–6; 13:28–29). He made a deal with the Jewish leaders to sell Jesus for the “goodly price” of thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12–13; Matthew 26:15).

2. From the viewpoint of the Pharisees, it was about silence. The Jewish leaders knew that the world was going after Jesus (John 12:19), and they were afraid that the whole world would believe on Him (John 11:48). When they could not stump Him or snare Him with their questions (Matthew 22:15–17, 35), they decided to silence Him by slaying Him (Matthew 26:3–4). As you know, even this didn’t work. He rose three days later, and His apostles boldly preached His resurrection (Acts 2; 4:18–30, 33; 5:17–29, 40–42; 17:6).

3. From the viewpoint of Pilate, it was about self-preservation. Although Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent (Luke 23:4; Matthew 27:24), he caved into Jewish pressure to crucify Jesus (John 19:12–13; Mark 15:15). He sacrificed Jesus in an effort to save himself (John 12:25).

4. From the viewpoint of the Roman soldiers, it was about sport. The Roman soldiers brought Jesus into the common hall and mocked Him (Matthew 27:27–31; Luke 23:11; John 19:2–3). At the foot of His cross, they cast lots for His wardrobe as they watched Him stuggle in pain (Matthew 27:34–35).

5. From the viewpoint of the Father, it was about substitution. In His grace, God sent Jesus to taste death for us by taking our place on the cross (Hebrews 2:9; Romans 5:8–10; Isaiah 53:5, 11: 1 Peter 2:21; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9–10).

6. From the viewpoint of the Son, it was about submission. Although the cross meant shame and suffering, Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and went to the cross (Matthew 26:39, 53; Hebrews 5:7–9; 12:2; Philippians 2:8–9).

7. From the viewpoint of the saints, it was about salvation. The early Christians saw the cross, and the blood shed there, as the means of their salvation (Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9–10; 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 1:18–24; 6:19–20; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–20; Revelation 1:5; 7:14). —Wade Webster, Southaven, Mississippi

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —Galatians 6:14