Last week we discussed how the passion of Christ shows his understanding of injustice. He was judged and found guilty, despite his innocence. He bled and died. From all reasonable appearances, justice and hope were lost forever. Might had triumphed over right. There was nothing more to be done, no further fight to be won, no possibility of redemption. 

But on Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of Christ. And in the resurrection we have a wondrous hope: if Christ is risen, then death and injustice do not have the final say.

The resurrection means that all injustice is temporary. 

This week we remember Christ’s crucifixion. When we read the gospels we are reminded that Jesus himself was no stranger to injustice and abuse. If we look with a “legal” perspective, what do we see in the final week before Jesus’ death? 

We see that he was wrongfully accused, and had no one to speak for him. We see the full force of a justice system, meant to punish wrongdoers, being corrupted to serve the desires of those in power. We see Jesus convicted despite His innocence. We see him sentenced to death. We see his friends abandon him, deciding that they don’t want to be associated with a criminal. We see a final opportunity for clemency denied. And, on Good Friday, we see him suffer the ultimate injustice: He is tortured and executed, despite having done no wrong.