Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see you to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Not everyone at Calvary spat on Jesus or pierced His hands and feet, and not all who were present beat Him with many stripes. But the mere fact that many showed up in support of the priests, caused them to be part and parcel of the whole scheme, and they were accomplices in the abuse meted out to Christ. Therefore, collateral damage results in many cases, to persons who may not have been directly involved with the decision making.
Jesus suffered collateral damage as a result of Adam’s sin, and throughout the history of the world, nations as well as persons have had to confront the same reality. Billions of animals perished in the flood, and yet it is a fact that they never did anything wrong. And there are many children who have died in Gaza, who were never directly involved in October 7. And yes, many who died on 9/11 had nothing to do with terrorism.
This leads us to our third lesson: [3] Whenever bad decisions have been made, and a reversal of fortune is desired, there must be a deep soul searching, accepting of responsibility, and true repentance including turning away from the choices that were made…. 1st Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his and stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.
1st Chronicles 21:17 And David said unto God, is not it I who have commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!