Roman rule was famed for its 'Pax Romana' - keeping the peace (after territories had been conquered). Generally speaking, they were successful; but Israel had been a problem under Governor Pontius Pilate. He was proud, heavy handed and insensitive to Jewish customs. His arrogant and vicious behaviour had sparked at least two civil uprisings earning him a rebuke from the Emperor, after the religious leaders had complained to Rome.
 
Pilate knew that a riot might spell the end of his career (which happened just four years later after he had harshly opposed a riot in Samaria). It might also spell his death (he disappeared shortly after that). So when the mood of the crowd turned against him, Pilate was very frightened. He knew that Jesus was innocent and he washed his hands in public to show that he did not agree with the death sentence. But Pilate was fully responsible and guilty of injustice.
 
The religious leaders were also guilty: they falsely accused Jesus. The crowd were guilty too: they willingly accepted responsibility for His death. The soldiers who flogged Jesus were guilty as their whips turned His back into a bleeding mess before crucifying Him. Was this injustice or justice? Both! Father God orchestrated it all, even using the wickedness of self-centred people (Acts 2:23). He put the blame for the world's sins onto the innocent Jesus (Isaiah 53:10) so that guilty people like all of us might be offered a pardon for all our sins, and eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:21).
 
If we are to understand the strangeness of divine justice, we need to realise that not only did the innocent Jesus die but that guilty Barabbas was given another chance to live. We do not know if he was repentant but he cannot say to Jesus on Judgement Day that he was not given the opportunity. If you are 'in Christ', then be truly grateful for the painful sacrifice of Christ, and live so that He will be glorified (2 Corinthians 5:15). If you are not trusting Jesus as your sin-substitute, you have the opportunity today to repent and be forgiven (www.crosscheck.org.uk). And if you have friends and colleagues who are still being dragged down the road to hell by the weight of their own sin - tell them that Jesus has already been punished for their sins and they can be pardoned if they will repent and receive His grace.