When a person's religion is important to him, he will be quick to defend it. But did you know you can go too far in trying to defend a religion? I hope I would realize there was something wrong before I would go as far as the priests did in this true story! You see, they not only proved they were very religious, but proved they were not pleasing or acceptable to God!
When Caiaphas was the high priest in Jerusalem, most people in the country belonged to his Jewish religion. But one Man, Jesus of Nazareth, was going about teaching “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6.)
What could be done to defend the Jewish religion, and prevent its people from being confused and turned from their ancient customs by this Teacher called Jesus? “Caiaphas ..had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people”! (verse 14.) His solution was to kill Jesus! That would save the people from becoming confused by Him and His teaching!
One evening, Jesus was out in the quietness of an olive grove with eleven of His disciples. “Judas, who betrayed Him...came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
"Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am He, .. If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.’ This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled - ‘I have not lost one of those you gave Me.’” (verses 4-9.)
Simon Peter was eager to defend the One He loved and trusted. Having a sword, he “drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear...
"Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?’” (verses 10-11.)
God the Father was about to bring a terrible punishment upon His perfect Son. Jesus knew how important the suffering and death He was facing would be for you and me; so this was NOT something He wanted to be saved from!
The wicked plan of Caiaphas to destroy and silence Jesus was going to be used by God for a wonderful purpose! Indeed, the one Man, Jesus, was going to die to save the people, but NOT to save their religion, NOR to keep them from trusting the wonderful teachings of Jesus!
Beware of making the terrible mistake these religious people made. When they found that the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, disagreed with their religion they thought they should just silence Him! There is something seriously wrong if what you believe is in disagreement with what Jesus clearly and simply taught.
Of course no-one will be able to silence Jesus! He is the One who is to have the last word on the day of judgment. (John 12:48.) His words will stand forever, and all religions and religious leaders in disagreement with Him will be condemned!
Make sure your hope and trust are in Jesus Christ alone to save YOU. REMEMBER, no religious person, nor any religion, can ever take Jesus’ place; so you will have no excuse!
Read about the religious plot against Jesus in John 18:1-14.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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