Are You Like Judas?
Frank Pollard
John 13:18-30
During the crisis hours we reveal ourselves. The gruesome pagentry of the crucifixion of our lord presents some strange people studies during a crisis hour.
There is big, boisterous, brace sounding Simon peter who said, ''If I have to die, I will never deny you.'' yet when Jesus was experiencing all the injustices of that dark day, Simon peter showed himself to be a coward. It was probably a teenage girl who asked, ''you're one of his followers, aren't you?' three times he replied, 'no, I never heard of him.' then he cursed. At that time he was just another small man making loud, dirty noise.
What would you have done? Because of my calling, I must pay close heed to the actions of Caiaphas, the high priest, who in the name of religion sentenced Jesus to death. A perfect example of the fact that one is not necessarily right just because he is religious. It is possible to say high and holy things about God, yet stray a long sea mile from [his mind, his love, and his presence.
Caiaphas had drifted so far from God he didn't recognize God's son. Irony of ironies, in the name of God he sentenced God's son to die.
Judgmental folk who say because I am religious I am right must take heed here. Pilate is another personality around the cross whose actions can teach us something. He grew up and prospered in the roman empire, a government openly committed to fairness and justice. Pilate actually showed Christ more respect, pity, and even tenderness than any of the others. He declared Christ innocent and in the same breath consented to his death. How? Why?
Pontius Pilate may have been somewhat just and fair, but he was most of all ambitious. Jesus had been brought before him accused as a threat to Ceasar. If news had reached Rome of Pilate's dismissing one accused of such a thing it could have cost him his job. He knew Jesus was innocent, but he thought that allowing the crucifixion was the only way he could pres ...
Frank Pollard
John 13:18-30
During the crisis hours we reveal ourselves. The gruesome pagentry of the crucifixion of our lord presents some strange people studies during a crisis hour.
There is big, boisterous, brace sounding Simon peter who said, ''If I have to die, I will never deny you.'' yet when Jesus was experiencing all the injustices of that dark day, Simon peter showed himself to be a coward. It was probably a teenage girl who asked, ''you're one of his followers, aren't you?' three times he replied, 'no, I never heard of him.' then he cursed. At that time he was just another small man making loud, dirty noise.
What would you have done? Because of my calling, I must pay close heed to the actions of Caiaphas, the high priest, who in the name of religion sentenced Jesus to death. A perfect example of the fact that one is not necessarily right just because he is religious. It is possible to say high and holy things about God, yet stray a long sea mile from [his mind, his love, and his presence.
Caiaphas had drifted so far from God he didn't recognize God's son. Irony of ironies, in the name of God he sentenced God's son to die.
Judgmental folk who say because I am religious I am right must take heed here. Pilate is another personality around the cross whose actions can teach us something. He grew up and prospered in the roman empire, a government openly committed to fairness and justice. Pilate actually showed Christ more respect, pity, and even tenderness than any of the others. He declared Christ innocent and in the same breath consented to his death. How? Why?
Pontius Pilate may have been somewhat just and fair, but he was most of all ambitious. Jesus had been brought before him accused as a threat to Ceasar. If news had reached Rome of Pilate's dismissing one accused of such a thing it could have cost him his job. He knew Jesus was innocent, but he thought that allowing the crucifixion was the only way he could pres ...
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