Heart of David Ministries

Divine Justice in the Midst of Human Injustice

by Nathan Shaw

High levels of injustice have dominated the political arena in the United States over the last few years. The depth and degree of this injustice is staggering, and yet, God’s divine justice is operating simultaneously. It is a biblical principle that divine justice still operates even in the midst of human injustice. The greatest act of injustice of all time was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It was also the greatest intercessory act of all time, destroying the power of sin’s grasp over humanity. The cross reveals divine justice like nothing else does.

Jesus’ crucifixion was initiated by religious and governmental leaders (priests, elders and the Sanhedrin). Their plan was to use stealth and arrest Jesus secretly. Once they had accomplished this they attempted to bring false evidence so that they could sentence Him to death. Many witnesses testified, but unsuccessfully. Finally two witnesses came forward, their accusation: Jesus claimed He would destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days (Matthew 26:3-4, 59-61). Interestingly, in all the events that surrounded Jesus’ arrest and trial, there were two witnesses to His innocence: Judas (Jesus’ disciple and betrayer); and Pontius Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea). The priests and elders had two witnesses, but so did God.

As soon as Jesus was condemned, Judas was seized with remorse. He promptly returned the thirty pieces of silver paid to him to betray Jesus. Judas spoke to the priests and elders directly: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!” (Matthew 27:3-4). Judas’s powerful witness of Jesus’ innocence was a display of divine justice. God was giving the priests and elders an opportunity to repent for their actions. Regardless, the priests and elders remained unmoved and responded to Judas, “We don’t care! What you have done is your responsibility!” The literal translation of their words is, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Judas promptly went and hung himself.

After being falsely accused, Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate. Although the priests and elders had stirred up the crowd to demand Jesus’ crucifixion, Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent. This was further confirmed to Pilate through a dream that his wife received (Matthew 27:18-19). Pilate asked the crowd directly, “What crime has He committed?” The crowd pushed the question aside and shouted even louder for His crucifixion. In order to avert a riot Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd and declared, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility!” (Matthew 27:23-24).

The literal translation of “it is your responsibility” is, “you see to it.” It is the same phrase the priests and elders spoke to Judas. The phrase provides a grammatical link between the two scenes in Matthew’s gospel. The two scenes are further linked by the use of the Greek word athoos meaning innocent (Matthew 27:4, 24). In fact, the word athoos occurs only in these two places in the New Testament. Two scenes, two witnesses. Judas’s witness of Jesus’ innocence was done privately before the priests and elders. Pilate’s witness of Jesus’ innocence was done publicly before a large crowd. Judas and Pilate were the most unlikely witnesses, but this only caused to heighten their testimony.

Judas and Pilate both attempted to reverse the injustice of Jesus’ arrest. Judas did this when he returned the thirty pieces of silver. Pilate did this by offering to release Jesus. After their attempts failed they both took further action—Judas hung himself and Pilate washed his hands of Jesus’ blood. The double testimony of words and actions was as ‘in your face’ as it could possibly be.

The events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion illustrate principles of divine justice. While I was reading Matthew’s accounts of Judas and Pilate, God spoke to me about the United States. Despite high levels of injustice in the political arena, divine justice is operating. Unexpected and undeniable witnesses will bear testimony privately and publicly through their words and actions. The snowball effect will have an impact on many other nations. God has a way of overshadowing human and demonic injustice with His divine justice. This is not a time for despair. It is a time to call forth God’s purposes for the nations. Your prayers and proclamations can and will make a difference.

© 2022 Nathan Shaw.

Related Articles:
What Defeated Goliath? (2021) – Nathan Shaw
God's Plans for the Nations (2017 Dream) – Daphne Taylor
ANZUS, the East Gate, and the Alignment of the Nations (2017) – Nathan Shaw

Related Book:

A Defining Moment in History

There is an intense spiritual battle raging in the United States of America and the nations of the earth. The outcome will be far reaching, impacting future generations and the destinies of many nations. A Defining Moment in History reveals God’s heart for the nations and your role in the unfolding battle.

“This is not a book you can read quickly! Time is needed to ponder the prophecies and let them marinate in your spirit. Their significance, along with the accompanying scriptures, teachings, revelations and insights, make this a very important book to read” – Linda Valen, Ministry Director, Master Potter Ministries.

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