Our Lord’s public ministry lasted about three and a half years, yet the account of only the last week comprises about a third of John’s gospel. Surely this fact emphasizes the importance of that last crucial week in Jerusalem.
The atmosphere of that meeting in the large unnamed upper room where Jesus met with his disciples was charged with emotion. Impending events which the disciples did not understand disturbed them. They were on the threshold of a change that was to revolutionize the Roman world and leave its imprint on Western civilization for all time. The drama was about to unfold, and the stars were assembled at Jerusalem. By the “determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God”, the plot focused on the One who afterwards declared himself to be the Bright and Morning Star. The wicked w ere there too Jude describes them as “Wandering stars”, unreliable as navigational helps on the sea of life. In this changing world, great events that affect many people are always accompanied by the travail that precedes the newborn era. Background history roust be understood before we can assess the commotion from which new eras emerge. The drama that unfolded in the last week of our Lord’s life was such an event.
Of all the people assembled at Jerusalem on this Passover, Jesus alone understood the background history, and is composed and prepared for his final test. He knew that his hour had come. He must effect a greater deliverance of which the first Passover was only a type. The angel of death passed over Israel’s firstborn at the sign of the blood-sprinkled lintel and doorpost. And then the exodus from Egypt to the promised land began. At the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah talked with Jesus about the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem. His blood would provide a far greater deliverance than from Egyptian bondage, for he would deliver from the bondage of sin and death. Hundreds of years before his birth, the Old Testament speaks eloquently of the Savior’s mission. In Isaiah we read of the despised and rejected one whose soul was made an offering for sin, and in Daniel we read of the cutting off of Messiah to make reconciliation for iniquity. Only Jesus understood these Old Testament prophecies of his mission, yet the were in the hands of the Jewish rulers who rejected him. Because we too are on the threshold of events that will again revolutionize the world, it will be profitable to observe individual reaction to the events in the last week of the Lord’s ministry, and assess our own qualities of character in similar circumstances,
Despite Pilate’s pomp and high position as governor of Judea, he was a pitiable representative of Roman justice. What Pilate thought would be a routine matter of judging another prisoner became for him the supreme test of his own character. The Jewish authorities thought Pilate would endorse their decision to put him to death without inquiry, but Pilate asked what the charge was against Jesus. Envy and self-interest were the real reasons for which the Jews sought the death of Jesus. And Pilate knew this. But the Jews camouflaged their evil desire by a pretense of justice before the Jewish council when they condemned Jesus for claiming to be the son of God. If the claim had been untrue it constituted blasphemy under Jewish law They knew Pilate would take a dim view of such a charge so to further their purpose they concocted an accusation before Pilate based on half truths and falsehood
We found this fellow perverting the nation and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar saying that he himself is Christ a king (Luke 23 2)
When Pilate examined the prisoner on this charge. Jesus made it clear that his kingdom was not of this worlds order of human in kings who tought tor their crowns His kingdom was of divine origin and his servants tots would not fight until a divine government displaces all human government Pilate could see no threat to Roman rule as Jesus explained it and accordingly acquitted him of the charge by saying I find no fault in this man Pilate was now at the crossroads of deci sion He should have released Jesus but he faltered and grasped at a straw which started him on the downward course of making a mockery of Rom in justice The verdict of acquittal provoked a stormy protest from the rulers They said Jesus hid stirred up the people from Galilee to Judea when Pilate head the word Galilee he sought to evade his responsibility by sending him to Herod who ruled in Galilee But Herod found no fault in Jesus and Pilate faced the decision again. This time he tried to compromise He would chastise Jesus with a cruel Roman scourge is a sop to appease the Jews and then release him as required by Roman justice But before this monstrous proposal could be carried out proceedings were Interrupted by the mob who shouted in front of the palace for the customary annual release of a political prisoner Pilate say another chance to escape responsibility and proposed the release of Jesus but the mob demanded Barabbas instead Pilate then said, What shill I do then with Jesus? hoping they would say Release him too But the answer was crucify him Pilate s way of escape was blocked again The Jews still demanded his crucifixion Take him yourselves and crucify him was Pilates in answer It was a taunt because the Jews under Roman law could not impose the death sentence But Pilate y was bound to recognize the law of a subject nation and the Jews claimed that right by saying We have a law and by our he ought to die because he made himself the Son of God. This new charge unnerved Pilate He took Jesus back into the Judgment him to question him I he inter view left Pilate more determined than ever to release him But he Jews used their moral argument, If you let Jesus go you are not Caesars friend, Pilate was fearful of his political future. If he stood firm the Jews would appeal to Caesar so he stopped to the miserable act of condemning an innocent man to death to save his political
Let us also consider Judas the Apostle who companied with the lord during his ministry What brought him to his in famous place in history. Did he misjudge the Lord’s mission. He must have had some promise of ability or the Lord would not have chosen him and made him treasurer of the little bind, But there is another side to his character He was a thief uncovetous man and he helped himself to the money bag, Did his self interest prevail when he saw that Jesus was not going to use his resources to establish a kingdom immediately? Did he grow impatient and spiritual because Jesus would not help fulfill his covetous desire? Did he decide to realize what money he could from his political venture with Jesus and was his plot to deliver Jesus to use his power then? We don’t know but probably he rationalized his actions somehow.
Of all the apostles perhaps Peter reaction to the crisis evokes the most sympathy He was quick to reject the Lord’s attempt to prepare the disciples for the Crucifixion and provoked the Lord’s sharp rebuke. Get thee behind me Satan! Rebuke brought Peter back into line and he remained one of the Lord’s favorite disciples. The table discourse after the last supper as recorded in John’s gospel had its strengthening effect upon the disciples. Judas had left their company and the Lord spoke comforting words designed to prepare them for the crisis. Peter responded magnificently in words. He was willing to go with Jesus to prison and death. But how little did he know of the trial ahead. While Jesus was in agony at Gethsemane struggling with the decision on which hung the world’s destiny. Peter in his grief sought refuge in sleep. And when the crucial moment came for Jesus to be taken prisoner, Peter in his mistaken zeal showed great physical courage in the face of great odds by drawing his sword and wounding the enemy. But later, in circumstances in which something more than physical prowess was required, he denied his Lord three times. And then the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. The Lord’s sorrowful expression brought home to Peter how miserably he had failed and he went out and wept bitterly.
Luke records another incident full of instruction for us, the dying thief’s request. Perhaps we are so preoccupied with this passage in our endeavor to show it doesn’t prove going to heaven at death, that we overlook a stimulating example of faith. Humanly assessed, the promises of the great Teacher to establish a Kingdom were made empty by the cross. What could a dying man on a cross do for anyone? The crowd mocked:
“If he is the Son of God let him come down from the cross.”
And in this frenzied mob-atmosphere the thief rebuked his reviling companion, acknowledged that they both were getting what they deserved, but that the One who hung between them had done nothing amiss. And then he made that wonderful request that could only be framed by one who had heard the gospel preached. He didn’t say, “Lord save me today. Take me with you to Paradise.” He said, “Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comes! into thy kingdom.” His thought was focused on the future, when Jesus would come again. And a legitimate translation of the Lord’s reply grants his request, “Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt he with me in Paradise.” What a comfort this must have been to our Lord in his darkest hour for a fellow-sufferer to manifest such faith.
In this moving drama, which portrays human nature in unvarnished realism. there is both warning and comfort for us. We can see our nature in all its ugliness and weakness which provides the background contrast to focus our attention on the One who was altogether lovely, the humble servant who learned obedience through suffering. He emerged the hero, the magnanimous one who gave his life for his friends.
In these character portraits, painted so vividly in a dramatic crisis, we can see ourselves. Let us search our own hearts and ask, “In which one of these character-portraits do I see myself?”
Pilate evokes our pity as well as our disgust. Among hundreds of prisoners. whom he judged, why was it his lot to encounter a prisoner who made him an immortal in the hall of infamy? Is it possible for us, through lack of courage to face squarely every issue as it confronts us, to be maneuvered into Pilate’s miserable position and be driven to give the wrong answer to his question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” His mistake is a warning to us to face duty and allow our Lord first place-, lest we yield to the Lord’s enemies and like Pilate, crucify the Son of God afresh.
Judas too portrays a lesson. He represents a segment of humanity by demonstrating the possibility of being a nominal follower of the Lord. And yet his true inner self was callous to the Lord’s fundamental teaching of losing our lives now that we may gain eternal life. “What can I do now for myself?” was his mistaken quest. And when Satan sifted the disciples as wheat and desired to have them, Judas had to answer the question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” Although a disciple, he is the classic example of one who had a wrong view of life. His wrong thinking led to wrong action. And it was irrevokable. He gave the wrong answer to the question. And the consequence was terrible.
The thief repented in time to be saved. While we must beware of drawing unwarranted conclusions from most unusual circumstances, the thief on the cross is an example of true faith triumphing over this present evil world. He knew the right answer to Pilate’s question, -What is Truth” and came to realize that he still had time to choose sides. He too faced the fateful question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?”. He could revile him and die. He could honor him and live. He revealed his great faith, rarely equaled in such adverse circumstances, by addressing a dying man as -Jesus, Lord,” before making his trusting request. We can share his comfort in the Lord’s answer, when we meditate on this instructive revelation of divine mercy.
Of all the apostles perhaps Peter is the most inspiring character, with his combination of traits so representative of us. His weaknesses, his courage and zeal all combine to both warn and inspire us. His denial really is the result of his zeal. Where were the other disciples during the trial? Only Peter and John were there exposing themselves to dangers the others escaped. The inactive disciple obviously stumbles into fewer pitfalls. How would the missing disciples have behaved in Peter’s sandals? Should we not therefore be more charitable in our judgment of active disciples? If Peter -followed afar oft” in his early attempts yet he followed. He followed close enough to see the Lord’s sorrowful glance and he was keenly conscious of his failures even to the point of tears. By following, in spite of his temporary failures, he received the assurance that Jesus would pray for his conversion. The promise extends to us if we only follow. Peter became a pillar in God’s building as we learn from the Acts and his Epistles. His fundamental faith in Jesus and his willingness to follow helped him to have the right answer most of the time to the question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?”
We are on the threshold of another era. And it will not be without its birth-pangs and drama. The Bright and Morning Star will return to the stage and the plot will again focus on Him. The wicked world rulers will again challenge his right to the throne of his father David. And again mankind must answer the question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” Of that time Daniel says, “None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Lack of wisdom to assess the meaning of the crucifixion evoked the Lord’s rebuke after his resurrection, “0 fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” This generation deserves the same rebuke, because the Bible is a neglected book. Yet it is the only source of knowledge that will prepare men to wisely face the problems of today. Only the Bible has accurately presented the facts of history that adequately account for the world’s tale of woe and sorrow. Wise men will heed the Bible’s prophecies that reveal the coming transformation of this world. And when they’ comprehend the meaning of it, all will have to answer the timeless question, “What shall I do then with Jesus?” Men of faith like Peter will take hold of the Lord’s promises and be recipients of the Lord’s mercy when he returns. Our prayer is that we may all with God’s help nurture our faith, tight self-will, and grow in grace to the degree that it becomes easier for us to give the right answers in word and deed to the timeless question of Pilate. If we thus perfect our faith, Jesus will not be an awkward obtrusion in daily life, but instead, a trusted and welcome companion as brother and friend. The emblems prompt us to contemplate both the past and the future. We look back to that dramatic week of failures and victories of men and women like ourselves from which we draw our instruction and encouragement. We look forward to the time, which the Lord himself contemplated on that fateful night, when he will eat and drink again 55th his immortal brethren and sisters who sought and found in this present evil world the right answers to the question that is ever relevant for the faithful, “What shall I do then with Jesus? May we all be recipients of his mercy when he returns and share in the blessings of the age to come.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One