The soldiers made wrong choice
Today, I want to talk about the soldiers, who actually carried out the brutal crucifixion of our Lord. How much responsibility belongs to them in the death of Christ? Are they guilty?
It is not difficult to arouse disrepute, reproach and infamy against certain individuals who played what we believe to be a major role in the crucifixion.
There is little question in most people’s minds regarding the guilt of Judas. Regardless of his motive in the beginning, he did an awful thing. He knew he was guilty, because he took the money back to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” I haven’t heard many kind words in favor of Judas.
It is easy to recognize the indisputable guilt of Pilate. Pilate was a spineless weakling who could be controlled by popular demand. If he had been an honest man, intent on justice, he would never have permitted Jesus to be crucified by his sentence.
Then there is no question in our minds regarding the guilt of Ananias. It was to the house of Ananias that Jesus was brought first, after He was arrested. Ananias sent Jesus to the high priest, Caiaphas, his sonin-law, who was a shrewd man who worked behind the scenes. He was the mastermind of the arrest, trial and crucifixion.
But what about the soldiers? Are they guilty of taking the life of our Lord? It is exceedingly clear what part the soldiers played in the crucifixion.
After sentence was pronounced, they took him to the palace and dressed him up as a king. They called other soldiers to share in the fun. They made a crown of thorns and placed them on his head. They mocked him and spat on him and struck him. They led him away to be crucified.
When they placed the weight of the cross on Jesus’ back, he fell to the ground. The soldiers compelled another to bear his cross instead of one of the soldiers offering to take the cross after he fell.
They crucified him. The soldiers drove the nails into his hands and feet. They divided his garments and gambled for his robe. This is a shocking bit of history. here we see a dice game at the foot of the cross. The soldiers stood guard until the job was complete. They still believed that Jesus was an insurrectionist, and that his followers might come and try to rescue him.
Finally, one soldier took a spear and pierced the side of Jesus. This was their final act, and the soldiers departed. These were their acts — were they guilty?
I say the soldiers were guilty. Man is ultimately responsible — not to government or his superiors — but to God, for his moral conduct. Not only are they guilty, but I am guilty, too — my sins put him there. But the power found in the cross can forgive our sins.