John 18-19 and Luke 23
November 21, 2014


Just a few comments today:   I see that the chief priests and the people demanded that Christ be crucified three times.  Three times Pilate tried to punish Jesus without crucifying Him.
The Jews did not go into the courtyard of the Roman Governor (Pilate) because they didn't want to be come ceremonially unclean.   At the same time, they had no problem executing a man who they knew was innocent.   You might forgive the idea that they didn't fully realize that Jesus was the Son of God....I'm not saying that we should, only that it's plausible.   But there is no excuse for intentionally condemning the righteous.
I have read the account of the crucifixion of Jesus more times that I can remember.  Today what stands out to me is WHO is the closest to belief.   I mean, the roman centurion takes a step back, observes everything that is happening around him (darkness during the day, earthquake, dead people rising) and he makes a good confession.   Pilate doesn't become a Christian, but even he is reticent to execute Jesus.   He probably wouldn't have, if the priests hadn't suggested that to allow Christ to live was tantamount to treason.   And then there is Pilate's wife...she has dreamed that Jesus is innocent.   And don't forget the thief on the cross!  Even he has the wisdom to recognize that an innocent man is being killed.

How is it that the ungodly have an easier time recognizing Jesus than the chosen people do?   What possible reason would anyone have to contradict the will of God?

Now, there are certainly many men and women who are following Jesus at that very time who truly believe, and let's not forget Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who went at some risk to themselves to request the body and prepare it for burial.   It would not have been a politically correct request.

I pray to find myself on the right side of history in my actions and in my conversation.  It's no small prayer request....history has shown that pride and self aggrandizement are the precursors to disconnection from the Holy Spirit, and that leaves us to make decisions on our own.  Of course, that's always dangerous.  

The main theme of the death of Jesus Christ is that He died for our sins, and that because He suffered in the manner that He did we don't have to suffer eternal death in hell.    The thoughts I offer are a subtext at best.   Humility is required when attempting to determine the will of God in any situation.   That's probably because God thinks on such a broader scale than we do.   The crucifixion certainly proves that.  

PR