Truth About The Crucifixion — Page 169
a strong man still youthful in body, with a strong will, accustomed to hard work and a hard life walking about the countryside, we may understand the surprise of Pilate and the priests when they were told that Jesus was dead. Now let us look at the Crucifixion again: Jesus, without a doubt, chose his own time for the sacrifice, and by driving the money-changers out of the temple drew their wrath upon himself and spurred the chief priests to take action against him at a time when Jews from all parts of the country were in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Afterwards, when Peter accused them, the people wept bitter tears, but their regrets did not tum them from their old ways. If they had a conscience about it, they soon forgot. Although man has never forgotten the Crucifixion, he has not ceased to kill, he has not ceased to bear false witness, he has not ceased to envy and covet his neighbour's belongings. And he never will, for that is the nature of man. Jesus was a long time praying in the garden, for the disciples had gone to sleep, even Peter. But his decision was made. Then came the soldiers. That it was necessary for Judas to identify Jesus shows he was of similar appearance to the others. It is said that Judas betrayed him only to get the money for their funds, as he was the treasurer; for he felt confident that Jesus, who had always demonstrated such power and command, would easily escape his captors. When this did not happen Judas, who may have taken it as an instruction - "Go and do what you have to do" - was so overcome with horror that he went to the Priests, threw the money at their feet and then went out and killed himself. 161