Three Questions by a Christian and their Answers — Page 64
64 even a thousandth part of the sinfulness and debauchery had existed then. Besides, when we study the Gospels, it becomes quite clear that Jesus as had never wanted to be ap- prehended and beaten and to be put on the cross by the Jews. For if this was his desire, then why would he have cried all night and prayed for the calamity to be averted, and why did he keep crying and praying: "Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from me. " The fact is that the Messiah was apprehended un- awares and against his will, and to his last breath he kept crying and praying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" That is to say, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" 53 This shows that the Messiah wanted to live and stay in this world for some more time, and his soul was in extreme an- guish that his life may be spared. But he had to undertake this journey against his will. We also need to see what the Messiah achieved by dying for his people in the manner suggested by the Christians, and how did this benefit his people? Had he lived, he would have brought about a great transformation among them, and would have removed their weaknesses. But what did his untimely death achieve? It only brought about every kind of mischief, and caused such corruption that led a whole world to ruin. No doubt, brave people do lay down their lives for the good of their people, and put themselves in danger to save them, but not in the ab- surd and foolish manner that is ascribed to the Messiah. 53 Matthew 27:46 [Publishers]