Wednesday 9th April
Read Mark 15:25-26
“It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (NIVUK)
Imagine a justice system from which there is no opportunity to appeal! When Jesus was eating Passover the evening before his death He would not see another sunset. The third hour falls between 9am and noon. So Jesus is tried, scourged, mocked and crucified in a matter of hours. Once the decision is made things move apace.
The cross upon which Jesus dies was likely already set up for Barabbas and two rebellious conspirators so no further preparation was needed. Similarly, it was common practice for trials and meetings to be completed early in the morning. Pliny, a Roman governor of a province in modern-day Turkey, used to complete his entire day’s business by 10am!
On the last day we will all face judgment. There will be no appeal. Whilst Jesus was innocent, we are not. The power of the cross lies in Jesus dying in place of Barabbas, in our place. There is no greater advocate.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2) (NIVUK)
