Jesus stands before the high council, the Jewish court. In response to his accusation, he affirms, “I am the Son of God!” Oops, that’s blasphemy to the religious leaders. That’s why he has to go to Pilate, the Roman governor.

But he finds no fault with him and sends him on to the regional ruler Herod.

Herod has already heard a lot about Jesus and is happy to finally meet him. When Jesus doesn’t respond, he gets annoyed. Herod and his soldiers taunt him and send him back to Pilate.

Pilate is overwhelmed and leaves the decision relevant to Jesus’ case to the people. “Away with him! To the cross with him!”

That same day Jesus and two criminals alongside him are hanging on the cross. Everyone mocks him and spits at him. But hold on a second! A man condemned to death believes that Jesus is God! What hope does the evildoer on the cross have?

He believes that Jesus is innocent and trusts that Jesus will not forget him and will raise him to eternal life after death.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

Ephesians 2:8a

Relevant Scripture: Luke 22:66-23:25