Commentary on this Week's News
Who Is Responsible for Jesus Christ's Death?
A commentary by Gerhard Marx
United Church of God elder, United Kingdom
Posted March 4, 2010
 A
unique 500-year-old painting hangs in St. George's Chapel of England's
Windsor Castle. The unknown artist depicts the martyrdom of St. Stephen,
the first Christian martyr, being stoned by his own people as they were
egged on by their religious leaders.
But something is not quite right about the painting. What is so disturbing
is that the artist depicts the Jews at the scene with extremely uncomplimentary
faces. To drive his point home, the artist portrays a demon coming out
of the mitre (religious head covering) of the high priest, who was dressed
in dark attire. Next to him in the corner of the painting we see a positive
depiction of the face of a future pope, dressed in white, symbolizing
purity.
In his painting of Stephen, the artist merely perpetuated a long-held
view that the Jews were more sinful than others and that they alone
should carry the responsibility for not only Stephen's, but Jesus
Christ's death. But what does the Bible really say?
Who killed Jesus?
The Bible does reveal that the Jewish religious leaders wanted to get
rid of Jesus, one way or another. As we read in John 1:11: "He
came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." But to portray
them as the only guilty ones is a travesty of justice.
The future Messiah is portrayed in the Old Testament as the Savior
of all mankind, a prophecy that is confirmed in the New Testament as
well. Notice the inspired words of Simeon: "For my eyes have seen
Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people
Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
The New Testament makes it clear that salvation is now offered to non-Israelites
as well, seeing that all humanity needs the atoning sacrifice of Jesus
Christ to have our sins forgiven. "For all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Every single human being needs redemption, and without the atoning
sacrifice of Jesus Christ, no one would have access to salvation. So
all of us, regardless of our national or ethnic backgrounds, are responsible
for Christ's death. Notice the words of Isaiah about the Messiah: "All
we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own
way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah
53:6).
The correct way to acknowledge Christ's death
The pronoun "we" indicates that Isaiah included himself
as being responsible for the death of the future Messiah, even though
he lived some 700 years before Christ's sacrifice.
On the Day of Pentecost after Christ's resurrection, Peter reminded
his listeners that they were all responsible for His death: "Therefore
let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus,
whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). They were
responsible for Christ's death, even though most of them were
not directly involved in His crucifixion.
How did these people react? Did they acknowledge their guilt in the
death of Christ? "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the
heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and
brethren, what shall we do?' Then Peter said to them, 'Repent,
and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for
the remission of sins'" (Acts 2:37-38).
They acknowledged that their sins were responsible for Christ's
death. Do we? How do you acknowledge your part in Christ's atoning
sacrifice? The New Testament says nothing about commemorating a Sunday
resurrection. Furthermore, Easter's non-Christian origins and
pagan overtones are well-established facts of history.
Instead, the Bible tells us to focus on Christ's death. The biblically
commanded way of acknowledging our part in His death is to observe the
New Testament Passover service, partaking of the symbols that Jesus
instituted on the night before His crucifixion. These symbols of unleavened
bread and wine highlight Christ's suffering and death on account
of our sins and point to God's great love for us. He gave His
Son to atone for our sins (John 3:16). For more information, be sure
to read our booklet Holidays
or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?
  The whole amazing story of Jesus' death, including often-overlooked
details, is spelled out in our free booklet Jesus
Christ: The Real Story. Of special relevance to this commentary
is the chapter Who
Killed Jesus? Learning the rest of the story and observing
the memorial of Christ's death has life-changing, eternal benefits!
Related Resources
Who Killed Jesus Christ?
Why does anyone commit the ultimate act of violence against another human being? What have been the consequences of one of history's most unjust killings?
Jesus
Christ: Victim of Stolen Identity!
Most people understand that Jesus died for our sins. But few know that after
Jesus' death His identity was stolen! Many well-intentioned believers have fallen
for the deception. Could you also be duped?
What
Was the Purpose of Christ's Death?
Millions of Christians believe that Jesus Christ died for them. But do they
really know why? Why was Jesus' death really necessary? And what are the implications
for how you conduct your life today?
Jesus
Christ's Resurrection: Leading the Way for Others
Why is it that modern Christianity consistently portrays Jesus Christ as dead
on the cross? Could it be that many really don't grasp the importance of His
resurrection and what it means for every one of us?
What
Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?
Many claim to believe in Jesus Christ, but according to the Bible they really
don't. How can you know that your belief is genuine? Are you willing to put
yourself to this scriptural test so you'll know for sure?
Would
Jesus Christ Celebrate Easter?
For millions of people Easter Sunday is the most important religious holiday
of the year. But if Jesus walked the dusty roads of Galilee today, would He
observe Easter?
|
