Two days ago, I did something that I normally don’t do; I checked my email just before going to bed. One thing led to another and while on Facebook, I saw this picture and frankly it bothered me a lot. I couldn’t get over WHY someone would want to kill Jesus again. After all, he was already crucified for our sins and rose from the dead. His resurrection should prove beyond a doubt that Jesus told the absolute truth and he was in fact everything he said he was. To me, this is a very elementary concept, but obviously this sign holder just doesn’t get it. He hates Jesus with enough hatred to want to see him die again.
Unfortunately, countless others have hated Jesus and all who would DARE to follow him. As I thought of Jesus’ crucifixion, I remembered Jesus’ “trial” before Pontius Pilate and read it again to refresh my memory…
Mark 15 ( World English Bible )
Mar 15:1, Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.
Mar 15:2, Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.”
Mar 15:3, The chief priests accused him of many things.
Mar 15:4, Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!”
Mar 15:5, But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.
Mar 15:6, Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.
Mar 15:7, There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.
Mar 15:8, The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them.
Mar 15:9, Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”
Mar 15:10, For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.
Mar 15:11, But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead.
Mar 15:12, Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?”
Mar 15:13, They cried out again, “Crucify him!”
Mar 15:14, Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!” (emphasis added)
Mar 15:15, Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.
Power corrupted the life of the chief priests and they just couldn’t have Jesus holding power that they thought they should have. So, they stirred up the mob to influence Pilate to free a criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus. The mob then called for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate complied and Jesus died a horrible death.
Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there, for Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 1:1-11). Two men in white clothing (Angels?) announced that Jesus would return and this protester is referencing this prophecy. Perhaps this person should have read the end of the Bible, for when Jesus returns, it won’t be as a weak victim that is willingly crucified, but as Lord of Lords. The book of Revelation says…
Revelation 19 ( WEB )
Rev 19:11, I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.
Rev 19:12, His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself.
Rev 19:13, He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called “The Word of God.”
Rev 19:14, The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.
Rev 19:15, Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod.* He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
Rev 19:16, He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Personally, I think this person should be VERY, VERY AFRAID! Jesus will judge all according to their works and it would seem that this protester will be in a world of trouble.
PS. I strongly encourage you not to go to the website referenced on that sign. If you do, you will find half-truths, outright lies and a statement of purpose declaring that they do what they do out of love. I have been unable to reconcile their “love” with the desire to kill Jesus again; I don’t think I will ever be able to do so.
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