No Condemnation?: October 5, 2025
Condemned for Our Freedom: No Condemnation in Christ
Pastor Michael recently took us on a powerful, "heavy-hearted" journey through Luke chapters 22 and 23, inviting us to witness Jesus's final moments and his unique relationship with condemnation.
The sermon began by acknowledging a struggle many of us face: a bad relationship with condemnation. We either lash out when we're rightfully called out, or we beat ourselves up relentlessly when things go wrong, even if we've done nothing wrong.
Jesus's Unjust Trial
Diving into the text, we saw the shocking injustice of Jesus's arrest and trial.
The Sanhedrin: In the middle of the night—illegally—Jesus was mocked, beaten, and questioned. When daylight came, Jesus made a massive statement, positioning himself as the prophetic "Son of Man" from Daniel 7, the very Messiah the people longed for. His clear affirmation of his deity (v. 70: "You say that I am") was enough for his accusers to condemn him to death. They recognized his truth, but it was infuriating because it threatened their power.
Pilate and Herod: Handed over to the Roman authorities, Jesus was accused of misleading the nation and claiming to be a King. Both Pilate and Herod examined him and, repeatedly, declared him innocent. Pilate even had him whipped to appease the crowds, trying to release him. Yet, the people kept demanding his crucifixion, choosing a murderer and rebel, Barabbas, instead. The heartbreaking line: "Their voices won out." Jesus was condemned over and over again for the very thing he was—the rightful King—despite being found completely innocent of all charges.
The Great Exchange
Why did Jesus endure such profound, unjust condemnation? Why was he "handed over to their will?"
The answer, as Pastor Michael passionately explained, is found in the great exchange referenced in Romans 8:1:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus."
Because Jesus, the righteous Son of God, was condemned unjustly, we, who deserve condemnation, can be set completely free from it. He willingly accepted a lack of justice so that he could be just for us.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, he takes on your condemnation. This means you can live a life free from guilt and fear of judgment.
Pastor Michael's closing encouragement was clear: Don't waste Jesus's sacrifice! Accept his work, live in the freedom from condemnation, and know with confidence that Christ took that burden upon himself because He loves you.
