To: westerfield
- Annas was delighted at the thought of our Lord being brought before him, and was looking out for his arrival with the greatest impatience. The expression of his countenance was most repulsive, as it showed in every lineameat not only the infernal joy with which he was filled, but likewise all the cunning and duplicity of his heart. He was the president of a species of tribunal instituted for the purpose of examining persons accused of teaching false doctrines; and if convicted there, they were then taken before the High Priest.
Jesus stood before Annas. He looked exhausted and haggard; his garments were covered with mud, his hands manacled, his head bowed down, and he spoke not a word. Annas was a thin ill-humoured-looking old man, with a scraggy beard. His pride and arrogance were great; and as he seated himself he smiled ironically, pretending that he knew nothing at all, and that he was perfectly astonished at finding that the prisoner whom he had just been informed was to be brought before him, was no other than Jesus of Nazareth. ' Is it possible, said he is it possible that thou art Jesus of Nazareth? Where are thy disciples, thy numerous followers? Where is thy kingdom? I fear affairs have not turned out as thou didst expect. The authorities, I presume, discovered that it was quite time to put a stop to thy conduct, disrespectful as it was towards God and his priests, and to such violations of the Sabbath. What disciples hast thou now? Where are they all gone? Thou art silent! Speak out, seducer! speak out, thou inciter of rebellion! Didst thou not eat the Paschal lamb in an unlawful manner, at an improper time, and in an improper place? Dost thou not desire to introduce new doctrines? Who gave thee the right of preaching? Where didst thou study? Speak, what are the tenets of thy religion? - Caiphas made use of the most insulting language, and the archers again struck and abused our Lord, vociferating at the same time, Answer at once! Speak out! Art thou dumb? Caiphas, whose temper was indescribably proud and arrogant, became even more enraged than Annas had been, and asked a thousand questions one after the other, but Jesus stood before him in silence, and with his eyes cast down. The archers endeavoured to force him to speak by repeated blows, and a malicious child pressed his thumb into his lips, tauntingly bidding him to bite.
- It is extremely difficult to explain these facts, for fear of scandalising those who have no knowledge of such things; but persons who see feel them, and they often cause the very hair to stand on end on the head. I think that John saw some of these apparitions, for I heard him speak about them afterwards. All whose hearts were not radically corrupted felt excessively terrified at these events, but the hardened were sensible of nothing but an increase of hatred and anger against our Lord. Caiphas then arose, and, urged on by Satan, took up the end of his mantle, pierced it with his knife, and rent it from one end to the other, exclaiming at the same time, in a loud voice, He hath blasphemed. what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy: what think you? All who were then present arose, and exclaimed with astounding malignancy, 'He is guilty of death! During the whole of this frightful scene, the devils were in the most tremendous state of excitement; they appeared to have complete possession not only of the enemies of Jesus, but likewise of their partisans and cowardly followers. The powers of darkness seemed to me to proclaim a triumph over the light, and the few among the spectators whose hearts still retained a glimmering of light were filled with such consternation that, covering their heads, they instantly departed. The witnesses who belonged to the upper classes were less hardened than the others; their consciences were racked with remorse, and they followed the example given by the persons mentioned above, and left the room as quickly as possible, while the rest crowded round the fire in the vestibule, and ate and drank after receiving full pay for their services. The High Priest then addressed the archers, and said, I deliver this king up into your hands; render the blasphemer the honours which are his due.' After these words he retired with the members of his Council into the round room I behind the tribunal, which could not be seen from the vestibule.
I think they are saying this was one of the main sources for the movie script. I wouldn't be surprised if the bridge scene is in this book.
To: af_vet_1981
According to the link someone provided above to Emmerich's book, there is a bridge scene (p. 135), but most of us don't know if the exact "bridge scene" is in the movie.
To: af_vet_1981
It's unrealistic for the Jewish leaders today to expect films on Christianity to cater to their wishes and perceptions. They apparently want all the blame to be placed on Pontius Pilate (and thru him, the Romans). But the Bible is clear that the Jewish authorities plotted against Jesus. This doesn't mean that the entire Jewish populace at that time should be blamed, and it certainly doesn't mean that Jews throughout history should be blamed as a people. What is the big deal here? It was history, it was preordained by God to happen, and we are ALL guilty because of our sin nature. You and me and everybody on the planet are the reason that Jesus was crucified. WE are the cause.
God loves all of the people on this planet equally. God is grieved by anti-Semitism. That said, let me add: Mel's movie is NOT anti-Semitic. I wish the media would stop fanning this issue.
38 posted on
02/20/2004 8:18:48 AM PST by
Ciexyz
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