We have a rule in our judicial system that one is “presumed innocent until proven guilty.” Judges instruct jury members about this rule very early in a trial. I believe it is a good rule in order to mete out justice. I’ll admit it bothers me when people paraphrase this rule by saying that “one is innocent until proven guilty,” leaving off the word “presumed.” A person who commits a crime is guilty whether proven or not. In fact, many people who have committed crimes have received “not guilty” verdicts merely because their guilt was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Not all cultures or governments embrace this noble rule of law, and some who have this rule don’t always apply it. For instance, the Roman government applied this rule to its own citizens but not necessarily to non-citizens. It depended on the one sitting on the seat of judgment.
Take the case of Jesus before Pilate. It seemed at first that Pilate embraced the “presumed innocent” concept. When Jesus was brought before him, Pilate asked, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” (Jn. 18:29). Their answer was a strange one in a court of law. They said, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you” (Jn. 18:30). Can you imagine, in our court system, an honest judge’s reaction if a prosecutor were to say that about an accused? Jesus’ accusers were asking Pilate to adopt a “presumed guilty until proven innocent” concept.
Pilate was not inclined to accept their verdict. “He knew that because of envy that had delivered Him” (Matt. 27:18) and sought ways to release him, including offering a choice between a convicted felon and the presumed innocent Jesus; but the mob cried out, “Crucify Him!” (Jn. 19:12,15).
To avoid a tumult, Pilate abandoned his “presumed innocent” approach and unjustly delivered Jesus to the executioners.
Justice was not served in killing the innocent Jesus; but God allowed it to happen so that we would not face justice for our sins. We are guilty. God knows we are guilty. Yet, instead of bringing justice, He has extended mercy to us through the blood of His innocent One. As expressed in the refrain of an old familiar hymn:
Jesus paid it all!
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).
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