We crucified Jesus.
That's the truth we grapple with every Palm Sunday and Good Friday when we hear the story called The Passion, which comes from the Latin word passio, - it means suffering.
In this epic story Jesus isn't the only one who suffers. We do too as we contemplate our own complicity in His trial, scourging, and crucifixion.
Are we the conniving Judas, an intimate friend of Jesus' who is willing to sell out if the price is right? Probably not. Are we the corrupt Judean authorities who are so interested in keeping things the way they are that we'll do anything to prevent change? Probably not. Or are we zealous Peter, who's given up everything to follow Jesus - but is unable to go that last mile, to the Cross? Probably not.
Most of us are probably more like Pilate - who didn’t harbor hatred, envy, malice, or rampant zeal. He was just a Roman administrator trying to keep the peace. Yet Pilate had the power to change things - the money, influence, and resources to protect and care for Jesus. Pilate also had a conscience - and a wife who told him to do the right thing. Yet Pilate chose not to listen to them, and to stand idly by, apathetically washing his hands, and putting the blame on others.
30,000 children will die today due to senseless poverty, innocent women will be raped, bright inner city kids will go without education. None of that is our fault. We're not advocating it or actively supporting it. However our silence says something.
Yes, Jesus is still being crucified today. Matthew 25 says whatsoever we do to the least of our brothers, we do unto Him. Like Pilate, we can do something about the injustice, the suffering and the painful death. We have the ability and the knowledge - but will we?
Reading
The Misunderstood Jew - Amy-Jill Levine
Three Weeks with My Brother -Nicholas Sparks
The Last Week- Borg/Crossan
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