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 When questioned, none of the religious authorities
would comment publically on the trial and execution; however,
anonymous sources did allude to rumors that Jesus had compared
himself with God, even calling himself ‘The Son of God’ on occasion.
This charge of blasphemy was ostensibly the basis for his drastic
punishment, although others who were close to Jesus insist that his
call for repentance and a coming of a new kingdom that is superior
to the governments created by men, was the real source for his
arrest.
The religious and military leaders were concerned that this
‘Messiah,’ as he was called, might indeed succeed in uniting all
people regardless of nationality or status, such that their own
standing, which required these divisions, would be undermined.
This kingdom that relied on love instead of coercion, servant hood
rather than authority, and humility rather than power, was so far
from their comprehension that they saw no other way than to silence
him.
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When asked why Jesus did not defend himself against
these charges, his followers replied that his intent was not to
defend himself, but instead to take onto himself the sins of the
world, even of those who killed him, and nullify them. His goal was
that bodily death would no longer be the ultimate end for humans,
that eternal life, even after bodily death, was not only possible
but expected.
On Sunday, strange reports that Jesus may have
overcome death began to surface. Various people say they have seen
Jesus alive and even the Roman authorities concede that his tomb is
empty. If true, Jesus’ resurrection would mean that all of his
claims about God, the coming kingdom and eternal life are real.
It will take time for us to determine if Jesus is really who he said
he was: the Way, the Truth and the Life.
One person has already made a determination a very unlikely source;
a centurion who oversaw Jesus’ crucifixion and witnessed his death
has said, "Truly, this man was God’s Son."
Perhaps someday, a book will be written about this man’s life; it
may prove to be a bestseller. |
