Injustice
VERSE
Luke 23: 13-16 Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, “You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It’s clear that he’s done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”
18-20 At that, the crowd went wild: “Kill him! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again.
21 But they kept shouting back, “Crucify! Crucify him!”
22 He tried a third time. “But for what crime? I’ve found nothing in him deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”
23-25 But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.
Definition of Injustice
1: absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : UNFAIRNESS
2: an unjust act : WRONG
INTRO
One of the most famously unfair cases of murder can be found in our bible.
Jesus of Nazareth, a man who had not broken any laws was being tortured for days in broad daylight, and hung on a cross naked outside of a city that hated him.
What do we do in the face of wrongdoing? How do we avenge ourselves when those we love are hurting?
We can learn quite a lot from Jesus’ example and of his disciples.
The disciples were upset, one of them was so angry he cut off an officer’s ear when Jesus was being arrested. It’s fair to be upset, it’s fair to be angry. That’s what injustice does, at its core it is hurtful, unfair, undeserved.
TODAY
Recently, we’re seeing a lot of injustice, specifically against the black community. Dozens if not hundreds of cases of unarmed black men, women and even children have been killed by the hands the authorities meant to protect us.
It’s hurtful, unfair and undeserved.
It’s fair to be upset, it’s fair to be cautious, it’s fair to be worried just like the disciples were.
But we can also learn some things about Jesus’ example.
Matthew 26:52-54 - Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”
In the face of Injustice, Jesus’ example was one that leads us away from violence.
Jesus said, “I can have 12,000 angels slaughter everyone here. But for now, put away your sword, because those who live by the sword die by the sword.“
Our two questions earlier -
What do we do in the face of wrongdoing?
The short answer is be an example. Even if the wrongdoing is happening to you. Not with violence, not with force. With wisdom, with authority given to us by God.
How do we avenge ourselves when those we love are hurting?
Romans 12 17:21 - Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This sounds insane, but it’s happening. There are dozens of photos and videos of people protecting police officers. There are some officers kneeling in solidarity, even some laying hands on one another praying.
Our goal shouldn’t be that we become violent with the world and the world gives in, no, our goal should be we united with the world and rewrote the rules.
DISCUSSION & PRAYER REQUESTS
Have you been able to help those who are hurting from today’s situation?
How can we learn to follow Jesus’ example in a violent time like today?
Pray for the black community, and anyone else that has been treated unfairly in these moments.