Happy Easter everyone!
I didn’t have my heart set on going to church on Good Friday morning, but I’m so glad that I did. It was quite moving to hear the whole of Jesus’ execution story read. I’ve heard it in pieces many times before and have probably read it in its entirety before as well, but some things really stood out this time, for the first time in my mind.
We often talk about Judas’ betrayal, we even refer to people who betray others as ‘Judas’, and it’s easy to hate him. However, rarely talk about what he did after that: he said, “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.”, and he threw the money into the temple and hanged himself. How can you hate a man who turned away from his wrong actions so completely?
And when I heard,
[Pilate] took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”
I was astounded! I’m not sure what was behind their desire to kill him: whether it be a general hatred, or whether they really thought it was right (because they thought him a blasphemer), or whether they were just in a mob mentality that they later went on to question and wonder what they had done. Whatever it was, I just think WOW.
Thankfully Jesus’ crucifixion isn’t the end of the story! Read Matthew’s account of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Oh, and you can download the song embedded above, Jesus Lives, for free! I’m not sure for how long, so get it while you can.
Though I’m not a Christian, I wish you a very happy Easter… 🙂
Great to know you are Catholic! Happy Easter…sister.
Thank you Kristarella. Wish you a happy Easter too. 🙂
I take a number of positives from what you’ve just written 🙂
Hi Kris,
I’m an avid follower of everything you write. I’m also an avid follwer of Jesus and everything written about Him.
I love this article because you give a personal testimony of how the events just before Jesus ressurection effect you today.
Thanks for writing this article and provideing the link to the video.
Thanks for your stand for Christ, Kristen.
I agree with Phil and although I am saying this late, Happy Easter. Christ is Risen Indeed!
why do so many Christians behave so un-Christ like?
Thanks for all your comments and support folks!
Dan, I believe the reason many Christians act unChrist-like is that same reason that non-Christians do… we are all affected by sin. At times we all act selfishly, hurt others, make bad choices when we are angry, or sad, or anxious… it’s in our nature— everyone’s nature. The only difference between Christians and non-Christians is that the former believe in a loving creator God, that our sin separates us from him, and Jesus reunites us with him. So, as a result Christians will try to be Christ-like, but as long as we live on this earth we will still fail sometimes, just like everyone else.
Hi Kristarella! Great to read this post. It is in fact an outstanding story. And you’re right. Interestingly enough, even Pilate himself had no idea why they would want to kill him. I’m pretty sure he must have been thinking, “What the heck are these people thinking?!!” I’ll just have to take myself out of the equation and let them do whatever they want. They can be responsible for it!”
-D
Krista,
You might enjoy reading ‘The Voice,’ a recent translation of the New Testament, with what I think are insightful comments from the editors. The editors explain some of the surrounding historical and political events, giving some insight as to why the crowd was whipped into such a frenzy, and it makes the story of the crucifixion even richer. I am reading and enjoying that translation very much.