Exodus 20:16 NKJV — “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Gossip, innuendo, hearsay and uncorroborated are words that are very popular and widely used in today’s society. Accusations can be given at anytime and without an attempt to produce an ounce of creditable and verifiable evidence we are led to believe that what is being reported is the undeniable truth.
Psalm 94:21 NKJV — They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood.
He stood before them. The angry crowd demanding punishment for a man, whom only a week before were claiming that He was the Messiah. Betrayed and arrested in the darkness of night and brought before the high priest and his counsel. Though He was found to be innocent He was accused by false witnesses of blasphemy and He was sentenced for death.
Matthew 27:1-5 NKJV — When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Betrayal of an innocent man was too much to bear for Judas but the damage had been done. The trial with Pilate continued with a decision had to be made, Jesus or Barabbas?
Matthew 27:19-26 NKJV — While he (Pilate) was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
An innocent man, the Son of God, one without sin or transgression, was led to the most cruel death of the time, crucifixion. All seemed lost, including righteousness and innocence. The miracle of the Resurrection was to happen 3 days later and hope was revived knowing that Jesus had and has victory over death. He had risen just like He said He would!
Our country has witnessed hearings filled with gossip, hearsay and uncorroborated testimony and are no closer to the truth then the participants were 36 years ago. The presumption of innocence has been lost and gaining it back may be a difficult task. False witnessing, gossip and hearsay can lead to trouble to the point of maybe losing your life. Only through Jesus and the salvation He offers can guarantee the everlasting life we all seek. Restore your innocence and let the innocent man, the Son of God be your Lord and Saviour.
Matthew 18:11 NKJV — “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
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Photo: “Telling Secrets” – Archive / File
Photo: “Jesus Before Pilate” – Traditional Archive / File
Photo: “Kavanaugh Hearing” – Courtesy of AP