How did it come to this? Why this brutal cruelty? What were the events that led to this great travesty of justice? Well, it all began with a conspiracy among religious leaders.

(Matt 27:1-2) After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the religious leaders knew their days were numbered if they didn't do something about Jesus (John 11:45-48).

One meeting led to another and now their conspiracy was leading to firm plans-Plans that couldn't even be stopped by the remorse of Judas. (Matt 27:3-6) Apathetic? Yes, they exercised great apathy to Judas' remorse and his declaration that Jesus was innocent. But they still cared about their rules. They were willing to pay Judas (Matthew 26:14-15) for murder, but they weren't willing to take the money back-that, in their view, would just be wrong. 

Hello?

Conspiracy to do wrong led to an apathy toward the truth. Pilate sized this crowd up with a single four-letter word: envy (Matthew 27:17-18) I guess they'd gone to far to turn back now. Next this group became accusers, (Matthew 27:12-14) and enter into collusion with the crowd to ask for Jesus' blood and release Barabbas. (Matthew 27:20) By now, I'm afraid they are believing their own lies. Just when you think they couldn't stoop any lower-they do. They stoop low enough to slander Him, calling him a deceiver (Matthew 27:62-64). Ultimately, all their maneuvering led to his brutal death on the cross.

What do you think men like this deserved? I vote for the hottest place in Hell, how about you? Not Jesus. He prayed for their forgiveness. 

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34 NIV) 
 

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