The greatest injustice in the history of the Christian world was the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
In the Christian world however, this was how it was meant to be, a fulfillment of the Scriptures.
Jesus was condemned to death because of what he said and what he did in his lifetime on Earth.
He was a disturbing presence to those who were in power, and to those who had faithfully observed the laws and traditions of the Jewish order.
In modern times, the arrest, prosecution, trial of Jesus would have been illegal in every stage.
There was no basis even to charge him with any crime.
In Mark 14:55, it narrated: “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any”
There was no evidence against Jesus.
There were those who falsely accused him of wrongdoing, violating one the Ten Commandments which says that thou shalt not bear false witnesses against thy neighbor.
Yet in Mark 14:56 it is said: “Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.”
The witnesses against Jesus gave perjured, inconsistent testimonies which in the present scheme of things would warrant a dismissal of the charges.
As a matter of fact, Jesus did not present a defense to the false charges.
In Mark 14:61, it says “Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.”
In present criminal trial, Jesus would have filed what is called a Demurrer to the Evidence, meaning a plea to have the charges dismissed due to insufficiency of evidence.
What was the charge against Jesus that led to his condemnation?
The high priest asked Jesus “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
To this, Jesus replied in Mark 14:63, “I am, And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
To this “admission”, Jesus was condemned.
The charge against Jesus was blasphemy. In Mark 14:63 it said: The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard blasphemy. What do you think?â€
Then they all condemned him worthy of death, the Scripture says.
Jesus was sent to his death because he admitted being the Messiah.
He was crucified because he admitted the truth, which was at that time, and in that society, was a grave and terrible offense.
So terrible was this claim made by Christ that the high priest “tore his clothes”.
So serious was this offense that the high priest deemed such crime as one that did not need any witnesses.
Yet that was the truth.
For asserting the truth, Jesus was led to his brutal death.
Jesus Christ did not deserve the punishment meted out to him.
It was cruel punishment.
Yet this greatest injustice had to be fulfilled for the salvation of man.
That is how important Jesus Christ is to your life and mine.
He endured the indignities of mocked justice as ransom for our sins, so that we won’t have to suffer these terrible experience.
The ultimate victory is the Lord’s for in just three days, the ignominy of the punishment of death was defeated with the resurrection of Christ at Easter.
That is how significant the celebration of Easter is for us.
As we greet each other Happy Easter today, let us remember its meaning and significance.
Easter signifies victory over history’s greatest injustice.
(My reflections from a retreat with Fr. Manoling Francisco 2014)
By Atty. Jay I. Dejaresco