Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people? Well, one day some really bad things happened to a really good person – Jesus. As a matter of fact, the worst thing that ever happened in the history of the world happened to the best Person who ever walked on the earth.
We can learn five reasons why bad things happen to good people from the story of Jesus’ trial before Pilate.
You can read this story in Mark 15:1-15.
1. People Say Bad Things.
The Jewish leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy, but to die at the hands of the Romans, they needed to find a political reason. According to Luke 23:1-2 they made three accusations: 1- encouraging people not to pay their taxes. 2- claiming he was a king (of the Jews), 3- causing riots. These were false, but they were determined to have Jesus killed.
Why did they hate Him so much? 1- He was a threat to their power. 2- He did not fit the expectations of their system. 3- Jesus showed them up for what they were, exposing their sin.
Sometimes bad things happen because bad people say bad things about good people. Gossip, slander, and lies have destroyed many reputations and lives. Don’t blame God if other people do bad things. Just don’t be that kind of person.
2. People Don’t Want To Decide.
Pilate was amazed that Jesus, facing the death penalty, didn’t try to defend himself. It appears that he really wanted to free Jesus. Even after freeing Barabbas, he asked what to do with Jesus. This does not mean that he believed who Jesus was. He was not trying to do what was right. He was simply trying to do what was expedient.
One of the saddest comments ever made is said about Pilate, who knowing that Jesus was innocent and worthy of release, chose rather ‘to satisfy the multitude.’ Pilate did not ask, ‘Is it right?’ Instead, he asked ‘Is it safe? Is it popular?’ Politics won out over justice that day and sadly, often does so today.
In Pilate we see a man not unlike many of us – unable to discern the right and do it. Sometimes bad things happen because people can’t decide. Always make the right decision.
3. People Do Nothing.
On Palm Sunday the crowds chose Jesus. But on Good Friday they chose Barabbas.
Why did they choose Barabbas? The answer seems they were disappointed with Jesus. This crowd welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem – eyes were opened, deaf were made to hear, and the lame to walk. I imagine they hoped He would free them from Roman bondage. But as they saw him standing helpless before a Roman governor, saw His apparent unwillingness to make any defense, or get out of this by any means, or do anything against the Romans, all loyalty collapsed. They chose Barabbas.
Sometimes bad things happen because of the crowd. Majority rule is not always a good rule. Don’t put trust in your popularity with others. People are fickle. Put trust in Christ.
4. People Run.
Barabbas was guilty of the crime for which Jesus was accused. He was a desperate criminal, leader in a riot, revolution against Rome. He is what many wanted Jesus to be. So, they chose Barabbas to be released.
Jesus and Barabbas traded places. Jesus, the innocent Son of God, took the penalty for the sins of Barabbas and was crucified, probably on his cross.
In Barabbas we come to the heart of the meaning of the cross for us. If we have a hard time identifying with the Jewish leaders who accused Jesus, or Pilate who negotiated with right and wrong, we sure see in Barabbas our own situation when it comes to the cross. We can feel with him what it must have been like to have someone go to death for us. Jesus died instead of Barabbas. Jesus instead of us.
Sometimes bad things happen because guilty people appear to escape. Good people are left holding the bag. I’ve met many single parents who find themselves in bad situations because someone abandoned them.
5. God has a bigger plan.
Jesus remained silent and took all the accusations and abuse. The flogging was a painful experience. Why did Jesus endure this? Because God had a bigger plan – to provide salvation for anyone who would receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Sometimes bad things happen because God has a bigger plan. I love Romans 8:28 – “All things work together….” Just give it a while and see what happens. Patiently trust for God’s plan to unfold.
You can read my other articles about going through troubles: When Bad Things Happen To Good People, Four Responses to a Life Trial, 3 Phrases When You Want To Quit,