Jesus “went about doing good and healing all who were
oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” [1]
Many listened to Christ and followed Him, but the religious leaders
of Jerusalem believed that Jesus was a threat to their nation’s well-being.
“If we (Pharisees and priests) let Him (Jesus) alone like
this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both
our place and nation.” [2]
Later, when given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, the
people (under the influence of the chief priests and Pharisees) chose Barabbas.
“Then they all cried again, saying, ‘Not this Man, but
Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a robber.” [3]
After that, when given the choice between Jesus and Caesar,
the people chose Caesar.
“They cried out, ‘Away with Him (Jesus), away with Him!
Crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief
priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’” [4]
Jesus was crucified. He resurrected from the dead on the
third day. He appeared to His disciples and to over 500 witnesses. After 40
days, He ascended to heaven. He will return.
Was Caesar a better choice than Christ for the people of
Jerusalem?
35 years later, Roman legions surrounded Jerusalem. By the
year 70, they breached Jerusalem's outer walls and ransacked the city. The
assault culminated in the burning and destruction of the Temple that served as
the center of Judaism.
In victory, the Romans slaughtered thousands. Of those
sparred from death: thousands more were enslaved and sent to toil in the mines
of Egypt, others were dispersed to arenas throughout the Empire to be butchered
for the amusement of the public. The Temple's sacred relics were taken to Rome
where they were displayed in celebration of the victory.
King David was right when he wrote, “Blessed is the nation
whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”
If Jerusalem’s leaders and people had embraced Christ, their
nation would have been blessed.
[1] Acts 10:38
[2] John 11:48
[3] John 18:40
[4] John 19:15
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