The senseless slaying of Byrd and Melanie Billings in Pensacola has stirred the hearts of many. When their home was invaded and they were slain by the robbers, we learned so much about this amazing couple who have devoted their lives to rearing handicapped children. Our nation agonizes over the reasons why those who made such tremendous sacrifices of time and money should have to die. It just doesn’t make sense!
There is another death which makes even less sense, so few seem to be moved by it. Over two thousand years ago there was a mockery of a trial of the Man of Nazareth who never did any wrong and who was murdered in a torturous death. Pilate, the Roman governor who tried him, implored the angry mob for his release. Luke described it using these words, “Then he said to them the third time, ‘Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go’ ” (Luke 23:22).
He was innocent, yet the cries of the angry mob prevailed.
As He was dying on the cross, a convicted thief tried to defend Him. While one criminal joined in the blasphemy of those evil men saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us,” the first thief said, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed, justly, for we receive the reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:39-41).
Hear those words, “I have found no reason for death in Him” and “This man has done nothing wrong,” and take time to reflect on this senseless killing. The purest man who ever lived died the most brutal death man could devise. It makes no sense! Why?
The Billings appear to have been surprised at the home invasion and were powerless to stop the onslaught. Jesus was not powerless. He had created the world! Yet when the Creator of the world faced death, He refused to come down from the cross. It was not the nails which kept Him on that cross!
“When He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Read these words of Peter and think about them in the scheme of the redemption of mankind. Think about them in God’s plan to save you.
His murder was senseless in many ways. Do you understand why He died? The answer is simple. It is YOU!