How to Get Away with Murder is widely recognized as the title of a hit TV show starring Viola Davis as Annalise Keating, a brilliant defense attorney who teaches her students how to manipulate the legal system. The show is filled with twists, betrayals, and cover-ups, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as characters struggle to escape the consequences of their actions. But what if I told you the most dramatic case of wrongful execution in history wasn’t fiction—it was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ? Unlike Annalise Keating’s clients, Jesus was an innocent man framed by those in power, sentenced to death, and buried in a sealed tomb. Yet, in a twist greater than any TV finale, He did get away—not from the law, but from the grave itself. The Plot: A Sinless Man Set Up for Death In How to Get Away with Murder, (HTGAWM) the guilty often escape justice through deception, legal loopholes, and strategic alliances. But Jesus’ case was different. His “crime” was not murder or corruption but teaching radical love, forgiveness, and the coming of God’s kingdom. His enemies, however, saw Him as a threat and conspired to eliminate Him.
The key players in this real-life legal drama included:
- The Religious Leaders: Like the cutthroat lawyers in HTGAWM, the Pharisees and Sadducees manipulated the law to serve their agenda. They accused Jesus of blasphemy because He claimed to be the Son of God.
- Judas Iscariot: Much like a trusted ally turning state’s witness, Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver.
- Pontius Pilate: The Roman governor, much like a conflicted judge, found no fault in Jesus but caved under political pressure and sentenced Him to death.
- The Roman Soldiers: Like enforcers of a brutal system, they carried out the execution, mocking and torturing Jesus along the way.
The Murder: A Rigged Trial and a Public Execution In HTGAWM, Annalise Keating often manipulates the justice system, exposing its flaws. In Jesus’ case, the system worked against Him from the start: - He was arrested at night in secret
- His trial was rushed and filled with false witnesses.
- The verdict was influenced by mob mentality rather than evidence. His execution by crucifixion was meant to be a public display of Roman power, a warning to anyone who
challenged the status quo. But Jesus’ last words showed
that He was in control of His fate: - “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they
are doing.” (Luke 23:34) – Instead of seeking revenge, He
extended grace. - “It is finished.” (John 19:30) – Not a cry of defeat, but
a declaration that His mission was complete. - “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” (Luke
23:46) – A willing surrender, not a forced execution.
The Twist Ending: Jesus “Gets Away” by Defeating Death
In How to Get Away with Murder, characters escape justice through deception and legal maneuvering. Jesus, however, gets away with something far greater—not through lies, but by overcoming death itself. Three days after His burial, the tomb was found empty. Unlike a criminal slipping through the cracks of the legal system, Jesus’ resurrection was a public event witnessed by over 500 people. His enemies could not cover it up, and His followers were willing to die to proclaim the truth.
The Verdict: The Ultimate Redemption Story While Annalise Keating and her students in HTGAWM spend the series trying to escape punishment, Jesus’story flips the script: - He willingly took on the punishment for humanity’s sins.
- His “wrongful execution” became the greatest act of love and redemption.
- His resurrection wasn’t just a legal victory but a cosmic triumph over sin and death.
Final Thought: What Will You Do With the Evidence?
In HTGAWM, Annalise teaches her students to analyze every case carefully, looking for the truth beneath the surface. When it comes to Jesus, the evidence of His life, death, and resurrection is compelling. The real question is: Will you accept the truth or ignore the case altogether? Jesus didn’t just get away—He made a way for all of us to escape the penalty of sin and have eternal life. The case is open. The evidence is before you. The verdict is yours to decide.
