The death of Jesus on the cross was the greatest injustice this world will ever know. On that dark day, the innocent Son of God was put to death as a common criminal in the most painful manner ever devised by man.

One thing that makes the Lord's death so tragic is the number of times He is actually pronounced "innocent" before, during, and after His execution.

His betrayer, Judas, proclaimed His innocence (Matt. 27:4).

The wife of Pilate referred to Him as a "just Man" (Matt. 27:19).

Upon examination, Pilate said he found no reason for Jesus to be put to death (Luke 23:22) and then washed his hands before the Jews, symbolically rendering himself "innocent of the blood of this just Person" (Matt. 27:24).

The thief on the cross said Jesus had "done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41).

The centurion, after watching how Jesus had suffered and died, said "Certainly this was a righteous man!" (Luke 23:47).

Paul said the Jews "found no cause for death in Him," but still asked Pilate to put Jesus to death (Acts 13:28).

What is the significance of the innocence of Jesus? Under the Law of Moses, all the animals that were sacrificed to God had to be spotless and without defect. Jesus was a perfect, sinless sacrifice. It is His innocent blood offered on the cross which washes away our sins.

"Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19).