Who Killed Jesus?

Scanning some interesting topics by various gospel preachers, I came across this interesting question: "Who killed Jesus?"

Historically, we can probably say with certainty it was the Romans. The Jews had no power to under Roman dominion to put one to death. So, Pilate gave the orders for Christ to be crucified, and his Roman soldiers actually carried out the execution (Matthew 27:26, 35). But Jesus noted, as recorded in John's gospel, that others bore a greater responsibility: "So Pilate said to him, `You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?' Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin" (John 19:10-1 1 ).

Ah! Then it must be the Jews you might be saying to yourself. But, did they bear a greater accountability? They were the ones who handed Jesus over to the Romans, as noted above. Indeed, they forced Pilate to have Jesus crucified (John 19:12-I ).

Yet, perhaps a better explanation on had more to do with God. Jesus did say his blood was to be shed for the remission of sins in Matthew 26:26-28. And note Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men" (Act 2:22-23). Jesus was delivered with God's foreknowledge.

Moreover, Jesus was crucified not only by the hands of lawless men but ALSO by us!

So, "Who killed Jesus?" Yes the Jews and the Romans were involved in the actual crucifixion and must bear some responsibility. However, God had Jesus killed because of our sins. So we must bear the responsibility as well. Fortunately, we serve a loving God, because he has also provided a way for forgiveness for our sins. You see, Peter mentions that later in his sermon on Pentecost in Acts 2:38: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We serve a great and forgiving God. Not only did we killed His Son and the author of life (Acts 3:15), He provided the sacrifice in order to receive His forgiveness! Kevin