Who killed Jesus? If this was a murder mystery, we would have plenty of suspects.
Let’s start with the Jewish authorities, who were close to killing Jesus earlier at The Temple. They believed He had blasphemed.
At this, they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid Himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
John 8:59
The Jewish leaders continued to believe Jesus was a threat. They were fed up with His Teaching. They could not figure out a way to silence Him … until … on another day, they considered killing Him.
So from that day on they made plans to put Him to death.
John 11:53
We do not know who first came up with the idea Jesus had to die, nor do we know how many others agreed with the plan.
But these people would be suspects.
Even though Judas did not plan to kill or have Jesus killed, he played a pivotal role in delivering Jesus to the authorities. So we would have to add him to the list of suspects.
All the soldiers who came to the garden to arrest Jesus could have killed Him. The high priest’s servant, who was in intense pain from Peter’s attack, certainly had no love lost for Jesus or His Followers.
What about the other disciples besides Peter and Judas? There is no record that they did anything to try to stop Jesus’ arrest. If you don’t stop evil, aren’t you guilty by letting it happen?
Jesus was first taken to Annas, the Father in Law of Caiaphas. We add him to the list of suspects.
He ultimately passed Jesus on to his son in law, who could be considered a real prime suspect.
Caiaphas was the high priest that year.
Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
John 18:14
While Jesus was talking to the high priest, one of the officials slapped him. This was the first assault. Was he the murderer?
Caiaphas had Jesus taken to Pilate, the Roman who had authority to execute. Even amid some misgivings, Pilate listened to the crowd and ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. Was he then the murderer?
What about the crowd who demanded Jesus’ death? Who were those unnamed people, who forced Pilate’s hand? Who organized the mob? Who participated? Who refused to do anything to stop them?
Was the crowd responsible for Jesus’ death?
Pilate had Jesus flogged. He was beaten, slapped and had a crown of thorns smashed into His Head. Who were those people who tortured Jesus? Let’s add them to the list of those stripping away Jesus’ earthly body.
Then there were the soldiers who took Jesus to the cross and crucified Him. Were the ones driving the nails the real murderers? Why don’t we remember their names?
So we come back to the original question. Who killed Jesus?
As you see, evil has many faces and many voices and can appear in multiple places at once.
It can come through those who would think their actions were minimal or those who knew their actions were major.
It can come through those who watch and do nothing to stop the evil.
It can come through those who see, but turn away or walk away.
Who was the real murderer? Jesus identified him long before Good Friday.
He described satan this way.
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44
But in spite of satan’s attempts, he could not kill Jesus.
In speaking of His Life, Jesus said,
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My Own Accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.”
John 10:18
So who killed Jesus? No one! Not even the father of evil and all those who followed him could do it.
At just the right moment, Jesus released His Spirit from His Body. Victory came at that moment!
If you had been any of the people we mentioned as suspects, how would you have reacted?
If you had been present for Jesus’ final days in His earthly Body, what would you have done?
If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24
Be sure of this. I AM with you always.
Matthew 28:20
Do you want to be with Him always?
