Conspiracy

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah (53:5)

“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts (4:27-28)

Who was responsible for the death of Jesus Christ? The answer to that question has stirred controversy for two millennia… While many Hollywood productions have featured the Gospel accounts in epic fashion previously, few have caused as much stir as Mel Gibson’s film rendition of “The Passion of the Christ.” Reuters reports, the movie, which covers the final 12 hours in the life of Christ, has come under heavy fire from some Jewish groups who claim its story could foment anti-Semitism by tying Christ’s death to Jewish authorities.

Just what does the Bible have to say about those who conspired to crucify the suffering Savior? Taking into account both Old and New Testament passages on this theme, both scandalous and wonderful evidence emerge. First though, consider His betrayal. From the Jewish chief priests and the Pharisees, who plotted his death and offered to pay a reward for the capture of Jesus, to disciples like Judas, who betrayed Him with the sign of a kiss… and Peter, who denied that he even knew Christ, to the adoring crowds, who later demanded that Barabbas be set free instead of Jesus—the factional culpability was widespread.

The hypocrisy in these events is apparent, from collusion within the Sanhedrin, to their private assembly under cover of darkness—all of which was forbidden in criminal trials. Complicity with the Roman authorities, Pilate and Herod, also occurred, as Rome reserved the right of execution in capital cases. Both the religious and governing authorities had agreed it would be politically expedient to destroy Jesus. And what about the multitudes that demanded Christ’s crucifixion, even after Pilate declared him a “just person”? So are we to affix blame to the Jews or the Gentiles? Yes. Account it to fallen humanity—as Christ would die for the sins of the world. And when the spiteful street mob bellowed, “His blood be on us and our children,” they implicated themselves—as well as you and me today.

Do we really imagine that our generation would have responded differently to the person and work of Jesus Christ? Aren’t religious leaders today betraying Christ anew when patronage is prized over doctrine? And what about believers who deny their faith to placate new mores and felt needs? And by abandoning founding principle in favor of new precedent, isn’t government severing ties to its Christian moorings? Our culture’s hypocrisy is evident from our methods to our message, from our judicial drift to our biased enforcement. Just as in His original public ministry, we deny the Lord in thought, word, and deed. It should be apparent by now that human nature doesn’t need a second chance—we desperately need a Savior.

If it’s any consolation though, nothing in our fallen nature has caught God by surprise. In fact, things are happening exactly as preordained, from before the world began. From an eternal perspective, restoring His relationship with humanity was intentioned by God (the Father), empowered by God (the Holy Spirit), and carried-out by God (the Son) in the fullness of time.

So from the patriarchs and prophets of old, who looked forward to the promise of Messiah, to Christendom today, which reflects back on the atoning sacrifice at Calvary—it’s the Trinity that’s been conspiring to reconcile the unfathomable depth of God’s love for humanity, with His unwavering standard of perfect justice. It's all part of God's plan for salvation, and it's availed by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Is the Spirit of God leading you to investigate the claims of the Gospel with this latest film? Have you discovered that we’re all actors in a cosmic drama that will “work together” for our good and God’s glory? So who was responsible for the death of Christ? The same One who'll take responsibility for your immortality. Because Jesus experienced death on our behalf, we don't have to.

But this is where your "responsibility" comes in...because eternal life requires your response to His ability. Will you turn toward the cross of Christ and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior? All of heaven is prepared to celebrate in anticipation of your answer...but love requires a choice. Join me in saying "yes" to the One who said "yes" to the cross--on our behalf.

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." (John 10:17-18)

No wonder they call Him the Savior.

Roy Tanner