Innocence

“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41
Three times in this chapter we see Jesus’ innocence declared: by Pilate (v15), the thief on the cross (v41), and the centurion (v47); also in the other gospels by Pilate’s wife (Matt. 27:19) and most notably, by Judas Iscariot (Matt. 27:4).
The sinlessness of Jesus Christ is of central importance to the gospel message. If Jesus had sinned once, in deed, word, or thought, His sacrifice would have only covered His own sin, and we would still be under the judgement of God. It is only through His innocence that His sacrifice can be put to our account.
Yet Jesus lived here as a man. He laid aside His deity for a period of time. He was subjected to the same temptations we face, “yet was without sin” (Heb. 4:15). How thankful I am, that He is my Saviour!