People have many versions for why Jesus was crucified. Some are true, others not. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven, Matthew 12:31. What is the biblical account?
Biblical prophecy
It was in fulfillment of prophecy. Not all perpetrators and those who betrayed him knew of the prophecy. Jesus confirmed that Judas with whom he shared the same bowl of food would betray him, Matthew 26:23. This was referenced from Psalms 41:9 where it is recorded that, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which I did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. His death was prophesied in Isaiah 53. Jesus further warned Judas about the consequences of his action, Matthew 26:24. Judas committed suicide after he betrayed Jesus. Do you heed to Jesus’ caution? Do not be stubborn in heart like Judas did.
Fear of Kingship rivalry
When Jesus was born, Herod became alarmed after the wise men enquired of him, Matthew 2:2. From that time they hatched plans to kill Jesus. One of the charges for Jesus’ crucifixion was that he was the King of the Jews. He was mocked as such with a crown of thorns on his head as the King of the Jews, Matthew 27:11, 29 and 37. For this reason, Pilate refused the request to change Jesus’ description on his cross when he said, what I have written I have written, John 19:22. This was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek for all to read. Who is your king, Jesus or other rival gods? You cannot serve both.
Political insurrection
The political leaders connived with religious leaders to accuse Jesus of leading a revolt against their rule. Political rebels like Barabbas also wanted to use Jesus’ teachings as a springboard to revolt against the political rulers. They perceived Jesus as a political menace. This was because Jesus had great multitudes as his followers and the religious leaders became alarmed of losing their members. Jesus had also questioned their religious practices and doctrines which included changing money and unauthorized sale in the temples. Jesus’ action also caused them to lose income. So Jesus was accused of saying he will pull down the temple and build it in three days, Matthew 26:61. Do you play politics with God’s word or do you oppose Jesus in favour of politics? Be careful!!
Social upheaval
The Pharisees accused Jesus several times of breaking the Sabbath. They saw Jesus as disrupting their religious and social order, Matthew 12:2. Jesus had espoused the laws of Moses with different interpretation regarding divorce, Matthew 19:7-9; accused the Scribes and Pharisees of sitting on Moses’ seat, Mathew 23:2; opposed Moses’ commandment about putting to death those who spoke evil of their father or mother, Mark 7:10; and on the doctrine of an eye for an eye, Matthew 5:38. They felt Moses’ doctrine was in danger with a reset so they wanted to preserve the old order. Therefore, it became necessary to eliminate Jesus. Do you get upset or offended about the truth of the gospel? What doctrine or culture are you holding on to, is it of God or man?
Religious rebellion
The religious leaders construed Jesus’ utterances as blasphemy. They accused Jesus of equating himself to God. By their religious practices, in public they had only one God, the God of heaven. In their hearts, the story was different. Jesus did not come to preach religion but a personal relationship with God.
Some of Jesus’ utterances that provoked them were as follows: I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly, John 10:10; in my father’s house are many mansions, John 14:2; I go to prepare a place for you, and will come for you, John 14:3; I am the bread of life, John 6:48, 35; I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser, John 15:1; no one has seen the Father except the son who is in the bosom, John 1:18, John 6:46; he who rejects me rejects him who sent me, Luke 10:16; I lay down my life for the sheep, John 10:15-17; just as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the whale, so will the son of man be three days and nights in the heart of the earth, Matthew 12:40.
For this reason, they concluded that Jesus deserved to die. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus or you are a slave to religion? Do you believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ? Salvation is not in religion but a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ personality
Jesus’ personality confounded his accusers. His depth of wisdom and knowledge overwhelmed them because Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man, Luke 2:52. Anytime they tried to trap Jesus with a question, his responses were usually in proverbs which eluded the understanding of ordinary wisdom. In Luke 20:22 they asked Jesus, is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Jesus replied, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s, Luke 20:25.
They could not understand Jesus’ humility, simplicity, selflessness and magnitude of sacrifice. These were evident in the many miracles he performed. Jesus became a victim of envy and hate and was tagged with death. Ask for a gift of wisdom and discernment if you want to walk with Jesus. Do away with envy, hate, pride and selfishness.
Jesus’ divinity
Jesus often spoke in parables on key issues. The disciples comprehended but the religious leaders did not, Luke 8:10, Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11. From Jesus’ divine knowledge, he knew more of God and life hereafter than all. His adversaries, the religious leaders were thus exposed and not happy considering Jesus’ young age. They asked what sort of man he was that even the wind and sea obeyed him, Matthew 8:27. Jesus’ also said, I and the father are one, John 10:30; he who has seen me has seen the father, how can you say, show me the Father? John 14:9, John 5:37; I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me, John 14:6.
John the Baptist also testified about Jesus saying, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, John 1:29. Jesus rendered the religious leaders and their doctrines redundant. Out of frustration, they felt Jesus had to die in order to preserve their dignity and status in society. Jesus’ crucifixion was simply a betrayal and rejection of him. We do same any time we disobey Jesus. Jesus is still bleeding from his rips for you and me. He is ready to set free, John 8:32. Will you reject Jesus for earthly status and dignity?
Prayer
Jesus Christ, you paid the price on the cross with your blood for my sins and redemption. I am guilty, I repent of my sins, wash me in your precious blood and save my soul today. Amen!!
