We have often heard the discussion about "who killed Jesus"? The Jews often get defensive because so many Christ-followers blame them for this atrocious act. I think this has probably affected the Jewish collective psyche to a degree because they don't come across as good guys in the biblical narrative. But the thing is, they are not alone. As you read today's passages it's impossible to find one character (other than Jesus himself) who is without blame of some kind. The Jews, the Romans, the soldiers, the general population, the disciples...even those of Jesus inner circle. Everyone shares the blame. Everyone shares the guilt. We often refer to Peter's denial, or Judas' betrayal but scripture tells us...
Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. (Matthew 26:56)No one is guiltless. I believe that extends to disciples of all generations. "ALL the disciples deserted him and fled." Who among us can say we are the exception to that statement?
I've been a big fan of Lois Cheney's little book God is No Fool for many years. Here's how she expresses this thought:
The ancient Hebrew were so tied by tradition they couldn't recognize the Messiah when he was right in front of them, and he was crucified.
The disciples, who walked and worked with the Christ, were very afraid of him; they hoped, but they also doubted, and they ran that night,
and he was crucified.
The common people mobbed him, showed him their sicknesses and sores, and they threw down an aisle of palms for him and sang to him,
and he was crucified.
His family was embarrassed, and stood outside, and wished he'd come home,
and he was crucified.
Would we crucify Jesus today?
It's not a rhetorical question for the mind to play with.
I believe
We are each born with a body, a mind, a soul, and a handful of nails.
When we die, no one ever finds
any nails left,
clutched in our hands,
or stuffed in our pockets.
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