[Salvation]

March 14, 2007

Jewish Authorities in the Passion Narrative

High Priest: There was only one high priest in office chosen from the descendants of Aaron, and he lived in Jerusalem. He was in office for life, but at the time of Jesus, the Roman Prefect deposed those not to his liking.

Chief Priests: This term refers to a Jerusalem priestly aristocracy in positions of power over the Temple and its treasury. They were active opponents of Jesus probably because of his criticism of Temple practices.

Scribes: These were scholars in the Law, sometimes referred to as “lawyers.” They treasured the traditions of Judaism, and dedicated themselves to copying and compiling them – thus the name “scribes.”

Elders: In Jesus’ time, these were wealthy nobles, respected for their wisdom. Two of them play a role in the Passion: Nicodemus (who in John’s Gospel, provided expensive spices for the burial of Jesus) and Joseph of Arimathea (whom Matthew describes as “a rich man.”)

Pharisees: These were people belonging to a movement, rather than in positions of power. They tried to reinterpret primitive prescriptions of the Law and adapt them to contemporary conditions. Strict Jews accused them of adding to the Law. (Before he became a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee.)

[Salvation]

Wednesday – Third Week of Lent

The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”(Mt. 26:62:64)

One time Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter stepped forward and said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Now, ten chapters later, the high priest puts Jesus under oath and asks if he is “the Messiah, the Son of God.”

Jesus who stand bound and powerless before the highest authority of his people, knows that the cross is the path to fulfillment ("seated at the right hand of God”,) and that though now under judgment, he will come back as judge of all (“on the clouds of heaven.”)

This may well be the moment when Jesus, as a human being, fully realized that death was hours away. He didn’t blink. He trusted that God would bring life out of death.

If I just found out that tomorrow I would die, what would my thoughts be? My feelings? What would I say right now to the Lord?

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.