Judging God Unjustly
Have you ever asked God, “Why did You allow this to happen? Where were You when I needed You? Why aren’t You helping me right now?” These heartfelt questions echo a shared human experience. Life can feel unbearably unfair, and it’s natural to wonder where God is in the midst of pain. During Easter and Passover Week, we have a profound opportunity to reflect on the ultimate example of injustice: Jesus on trial before Pilate.
The story begins in John 18:38 where Pilate asks, “What is truth?” These words reveal Pilate’s inner turmoil as he grapples with Jesus’ fate. Despite finding no fault in Him, Pilate caved under societal and political pressure, condemning Jesus to crucifixion.
What stands out in this narrative is Jesus’ unwavering composure. Betrayed, falsely accused, and unjustly sentenced, He endured it all without protest, fulfilling His divine purpose to redeem humanity.
When we face injustice, it’s tempting to judge God as indifferent or unfair. But Jesus’ trial invites us to step back and see the bigger picture. Pilate, standing face-to-face with the embodiment of truth, failed to understand who Jesus was. In the same way, we often struggle to comprehend God’s plans, especially when life feels chaotic or painful. Yet, as Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”
The Weight of Injustice
Consider the weight of the injustice Jesus endured. He was innocent—infinitely blameless in every sense—and yet He bore the full punishment of a guilty world. Betrayed by one of His own disciples, abandoned by others, and falsely accused by religious leaders, Jesus stood trial alone. On that day, humanity judged God. The crowd, stirred by hatred and misinformation, demanded His crucifixion. Even Pilate, who recognized His innocence, chose political safety over justice.
When we experience unfair treatment, it’s easy to feel isolated. We might think, “No one understands what I’m going through.” But Jesus does. He endured the ultimate injustice and unfair treatment to save us, demonstrating a depth of love that is beyond our understanding. His willingness to suffer shows us that no amount of pain and suffering could prevent Him from making it possible for us to be saved. To Him, our souls were worth more than infinite injustice.
Trusting God’s Perspective
One of the key lessons from Jesus’ trial is the importance of trusting God’s perspective. If He was willing to endure infinite injustice and suffering on our behalf, we have no excuse not to trust Him.
When we judge God, we often do so from a limited vantage point. We see the immediate pain or confusion and fail to recognize how it fits into God’s larger, redemptive plan. Pilate couldn’t grasp the truth standing before him, and we, too, can struggle to understand God’s ways.
Think about your own life. Have there been moments when something seemed unfair or devastating at the time, but later you saw how God used it for good? Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” This doesn’t mean that life will always be easy or that we’ll immediately understand God’s plan. But it does mean we can trust Him to bring purpose out of our pain.
The Hope of Easter and Passover
Easter and Passover Week provide a beautiful framework for understanding God’s justice and mercy. During Passover, we remember how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, sparing them through the blood of the lamb. This act of redemption foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. His death and resurrection are the culmination of God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself.
The cross, at first glance, seems to symbolize ultimate guilt and defeat. Yet through it, God achieved ultimate vindication and victory. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that even the greatest injustice can be transformed into the greatest triumph. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s eternal plan is rooted in infinite love and justice—worthy of our unwavering trust.
Applying the Lesson to Our Lives
So, what does this mean for us today? How do we apply the lesson of Jesus’ trial to our own struggles with injustice or doubt? Here are a few practical takeaways:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to bring your questions and frustrations to God. he knows how you feel and think about Him whether you express it or not. The Psalms are full of honest cries for help, reminding us that transparency is honesty with God.
2. Seek the Bigger Picture: When life feels unfair, take a step back and ask, “What might God be teaching me through this?” Remember, currently, we live in Satan’s kingdom. While we may not always have immediate answers, trust that God is working for your good.
3. Look to Jesus as Your Example: Jesus trusted the Father’s plan, even when it meant enduring unimaginable suffering. His faithfulness encourages us to remain steadfast for greater good, even when life is hard.
4. Find Hope in the Resurrection: The cross teaches us that injustice does not have the final word. God’s justice will prevail, and His love will sustain us through every trial. As Revelation 11:15 reminds us, Christ will establish His eternal kingdom.
5. Share Your Story: Your experiences with injustice and how you’ve seen God work through them can encourage others. Be a light to those who are struggling by pointing them to Jesus.
God’s Proven Love Is Worthy Of Unwavering Trust
Life is full of moments that challenge our faith and make us question God’s fairness. But as we reflect on Jesus’ trial before Pilate, we’re reminded of the incredible truth of the gospel: that God’s love and justice operate on a level far beyond our understanding. Jesus endured the ultimate injustice so that we could experience the ultimate grace. His sacrifice assures us that God is trustworthy, even when life feels unjust.
This Easter and Passover Week let’s take time to reflect on the depth of God’s love and the perfection of His plan. Let’s shift our focus from judging God to trusting Him, knowing that His ways are always for good. And let’s carry this lesson with us, not just during this holy season, but throughout our lives.
