Why was Jesus killed?

by Editor · March 24, 2010

Why was Jesus crucified? The short answer resides in the resentment and fear of the religious establishment of the day, which allowed no theological dissent to its jurisdiction or challenge to its authority. And it resides with the savage justice of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who condemned Jesus not only to death by crucifixion, but also to merciless torture before his execution in a bid to deter others from making proclamations that may threaten Rome�s political hegemony.

Historians may debate the minutiae of the events leading up to the crucifixion, but it is evident that Jesus was perceived to be a real threat.

His rhetoric, of course, was provocative � declaring himself to be a king of any kind was not going to be well received by the religious and political authorities. This was the hook on which the Sanhedrin (the religious court) and Pilate could condemn Jesus.

But it was not only the possibility of the Nazarene spearheading a physical uprising that exercised his enemies, but the notion that Jesus would instigate a revolution in the hearts and minds of people � as he has done ever since.

Jesus was a subversive and a dissident. He consorted with sinners and with despised tax collectors; his inner circle included peasants and fishermen who were not versed in the finer points of social etiquette. He challenged the priests and broke religious taboos. He spoke of things the lower classes were not supposed to concern themselves with. By chasing the moneychangers from the Temple, he accused the religious establishment of hypocrisy. He opened the gates to God�s kingdom of which the high priests had considered themselves gatekeepers.

And in a society which put people to death for what we now would regard as minor transgressions (if at all), he communicated a message of love and forgiveness.

Even today, Christ�s message is subversive. He stands with the powerless in a world that still seeks profit and power. His message of love is radical in a world still governed by hatred and indifference to suffering.

Alas, that message of love often remains unheard even among Catholics when they react to the distress of others with apathy, and when they fail to show one another, never mind people of other creeds, much charity.

This can be evident in parishes where people are jockeying for position or subtly denounce their pastors, and in the corridors of high ecclesiastical office when differences of opinion are not addressed by charitable discourse but by injurious reaction.

Catholics can be particularly lacking in love for neighbour when defending their faith and doctrines. There are times when Catholics behave not as Christ would, but like the Sanhedrin, pronouncing judgments and insisting on the sanctions of the Church�s law when Christ�s way is loving correction.

Often we see in those with whom we disagree not fellow individuals existing with us in unity and community in Christ, but as ideological enemies. Even in matters on which there is agreement among Catholics, such as abortion, differences in nuances occasion rancorous and un-Christian discourse.

So often, love � which must not to be confused with affection � is missing even in the Body of Christ.

As we look at Our Lord on the cross, we prayerfully meditate on the reasons for his crucifixion. We give thanks for his ultimate victory over death. And as we do that, we should also examine our conscience.

In everyday life, how much do our actions resemble those of Christ, and how much do they reflect those of the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, the triple-denier Peter, or even Judas?