Sunday 13 April 2025
When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” (v.47)
Background
Today’s Bible passage is often read out during Good Friday services and events. Luke's Gospel narrates the events surrounding Jesus’ trial before the Roman governor Pilate and meeting with King Herod, and Jesus' subsequent crucifixion and death. It is traditionally thought to have occurred in the year AD 33.
The assembly that brought Jesus before Pilate was made up of chief priests and scribes, who were the elders of the Jewish people in 1st century Judaea. In Jerusalem at that time an increased number would have gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover Feast.
I wonder what in this passage stood out for you? I am struck first at how Jesus responds to those exercising power with questions and silence. When faced with such gross injustice, despite being found and declared innocent by Pilate and Herod, Jesus’ response is not one of protest, nor of violent defence. What unfolds in this so-called trial are vile acts of abuse, carried out in repulsive and abhorrent ways, born from the evil intent to see Jesus dead.
Faced with a blatantly wrongful conviction from charges brought with no just cause, Jesus’ response is not that of a typically innocent man (though he was), but of a God of love with a salvation plan.
If Jesus' trial happened today, it would dominate social media and news and disinformation would probably sway public opinion, in the same way as it influenced those who called for Jesus’ crucifixion.
I am drawn to how Jesus forgives those caught up in this injustice, calling to God to forgive those who do not know what they are doing. (v. 34) And the criminal, recognising that Jesus is innocent, rebukes the mocking voice, asserting Jesus had done nothing wrong. (v. 40) Asking to be remembered, he is given the promise he will never be forgotten, as Jesus says: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (v. 43) It reminds us that even in the darkness amid the shamefulness of a broken humanity and cruel injustice, we can still discover forgiveness and hope.
Jesus was declared innocent by Pilate and Herod and, upon his death, the centurion declares this truth "Certainly this man was innocent." (v. 47) We might consider the number of innocent people crucified in ancient Rome, and what compelled the centurion to declare the innocence of Jesus. I find myself wondering had this centurion been certain Jesus was innocent before he was crucified, how might he have responded? As a commander in the ancient Roman army, would he have done all in his power to intervene and overturn Jesus’ death sentence? Or would he have felt powerless to contradict the might of the Roman empire?
I believe pondering these questions invites self-reflection on historical and present-day justices and on our place and potential to live for justice and peace.
To Ponder:
- Thinking about how Jesus responded to the injustice he encountered, how do you respond to injustice in your own life?
- What does forgiveness mean to you?
- In what ways do you guard against lies and wrong information when viewing social media?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for your gifts of grace, mercy and love, seen in Jesus and experienced in our lives. When we have been caught up in the sway of misinformation and caused hurt to others or ourselves, may your forgiveness lift us on to the rock of truth and hope. Help us to involve all our senses in discovering God in the world we inhabit. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Louisa Haynes
Louisa Haynes is the Circuit Superintendent for Hull Centre and West Methodist Circuit. Writing the reflections this week was a collective effort and she thanks the Superintendents from the Yorkshire North and East District.