Innocent Man
Christopher B. Harbin
Matthew 27:11-54
Law generally cares little for those upon whom it is unleashed. I grew up in Brazil with the saying, "The rigors of the law for its enemies, and the blessings of the law for its friends." That truism was clearer in Brazil than I could see it in the US. At the same time, it is how we use laws, rules, guidelines, and procedures the world over. They are all designed by those in power with the intent to keep that status quo of power in place. It is how we interpret church policies and how we interpret the law of the land in which we live. Then if someone from within our circle steps out of bounds, we seek a more lenient application of the same directive we might use harshly against one we do not know. Despite our claims, we don't really care about one's innocence. We care much more for protecting our comfort with the world around us. Why would we care how one we don't know or for whom we do not care is impacted by our rules and their enforcement?
Looking at Jesus' passion today from Matthew's perspective, we find more than one person who does not believe in Jesus' guilt, yet they are all too willing to go along with putting him to death. They know full well that Jesus had done nothing deserving of death. Even so, upholding his innocence is really not on their radar. Innocence and guilt are not the driving forces behind Jesus' accusation, trial, sentencing, and punishment. Innocence enters the story, yet it is almost beside the point. It is irrelevant to the outcome. It makes no difference in how Jesus is treated. What matters is something completely different from the perspective of Jesus' accusers, judge, jury, and executioners. The forms of the legal system are all upheld, though only in name.
Even the most cursory read of Matthew will affirm that Jesus did not run afoul of the law that sent him to death. He ran afoul of those who established, upheld, and wielde ...
Christopher B. Harbin
Matthew 27:11-54
Law generally cares little for those upon whom it is unleashed. I grew up in Brazil with the saying, "The rigors of the law for its enemies, and the blessings of the law for its friends." That truism was clearer in Brazil than I could see it in the US. At the same time, it is how we use laws, rules, guidelines, and procedures the world over. They are all designed by those in power with the intent to keep that status quo of power in place. It is how we interpret church policies and how we interpret the law of the land in which we live. Then if someone from within our circle steps out of bounds, we seek a more lenient application of the same directive we might use harshly against one we do not know. Despite our claims, we don't really care about one's innocence. We care much more for protecting our comfort with the world around us. Why would we care how one we don't know or for whom we do not care is impacted by our rules and their enforcement?
Looking at Jesus' passion today from Matthew's perspective, we find more than one person who does not believe in Jesus' guilt, yet they are all too willing to go along with putting him to death. They know full well that Jesus had done nothing deserving of death. Even so, upholding his innocence is really not on their radar. Innocence and guilt are not the driving forces behind Jesus' accusation, trial, sentencing, and punishment. Innocence enters the story, yet it is almost beside the point. It is irrelevant to the outcome. It makes no difference in how Jesus is treated. What matters is something completely different from the perspective of Jesus' accusers, judge, jury, and executioners. The forms of the legal system are all upheld, though only in name.
Even the most cursory read of Matthew will affirm that Jesus did not run afoul of the law that sent him to death. He ran afoul of those who established, upheld, and wielde ...
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