No Fault
Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” ~ John 19:4
Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? Maybe someone misunderstood your intentions, believed a rumor, or accused you before hearing the whole story. Few things feel more frustrating than standing innocent while others believe you’re guilty.
Jesus knows exactly what that feels like. After His arrest, Jesus was questioned by the chief priests, elders, and scribes before being brought to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate carefully examined Him and came to one unmistakable conclusion.
“I find no fault in Him.”
What amazing words. Jesus was completely innocent. He was the only truly innocent man who ever lived and still He willingly accepted the punishment reserved for the guilty. For you and for me. For all people for all time.
As I read this passage, I couldn’t help but picture another courtroom that every believer will one day stand in. Only this courtroom will look very different.
Satan is called “the accuser of the brethren.” He would gladly remind God of every failure, every sin, and every mistake we’ve ever made. But then Jesus will stand before the Father, not pleading our innocence, but presenting His sacrifice.
The scars in His hands will forever declare, “I already paid for this one.” The Judge will not declare us innocent because we’ve never sinned. He will declare us righteous because Jesus already bore our guilt and gave us His righteousness. That is the miracle of grace. Jesus didn’t deserve the beating and He didn’t deserve the mocking. He certainly didn’t deserve the cross.
At any moment He could have called twelve legions of angels to rescue Him but instead, He stayed. He took our punishment because love held Him there.
Sometimes I stop and think, “Jesus did that for me.” He saw every failure I would ever make. He knew every weakness I would ever have. Yet He still chose the cross. Not because I earned it. It was because He loved me.
He thought about you, too. Every person who has ever lived was on His heart that day. His sacrifice was sufficient for every sinner willing to receive His gift of salvation.
Here are a few ways we can respond to such amazing grace.
- Thank Jesus every day for what He has already done. Gratitude keeps our hearts humble and full of joy.
- Stop carrying guilt that Jesus has already carried for you. Confess your sin, receive His forgiveness, and walk in freedom.
- Live in a way that honors the miraculous price He paid. Obedience becomes a joy when it flows from love instead of obligation.
- Share the Gospel with someone who needs hope. The greatest gift you’ve received is one God wants everyone to experience.
In my life I have realized that the enemy loves reminding me of my past. The Holy Spirit, however, reminds me of the cross. One points to my failures. The other points to my Savior. I’m growing in the truth that it’s much healthier to agree with Jesus than with my accuser.
Today I want to encourage you to never lose your wonder at the cross. Jesus willingly took your place so you could stand in His. When the enemy reminds you of your failures, remind him of your Savior. You are forgiven, redeemed, and declared righteous through Christ. Walk confidently in His grace, rejoice in His salvation, and let your life become a testimony of the incredible love that refused to leave you condemned.
Here is how you can get started today:
- Thank Jesus specifically for His sacrifice.
- Release any guilt you’ve continued carrying.
- Read Romans 8 and celebrate what Christ has accomplished.
- Tell someone why Jesus means so much to you.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 15:1-5
1 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate.
2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”
3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing.
4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!”
5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.
Journal:
- Do I truly believe Jesus paid for all of my sin?
- Am I living with gratitude or guilt?
- What accusation do I need to replace with God’s truth?
- How has God’s grace changed my life?
- Who can I share this hope with today?
The Daily Dose 