Being on Trial

I have often thought during Jesus’s trial before the High Priest and later Pilate why Jesus did not try to defend himself.

The High Priest said, “What is it that they testify against you? But Jesus was silent.” Matthew 26:62-63

 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so the Governor was greatly amazed.

 So why stay silent and not defend yourself? I know if I were accused of something that I didn’t do I would fight to clear my name. So why didn’t Jesus? Did he know that his death was part of God’s plan? Or did he think that there was no point in arguing because the High Priest and Pilate had already decided his future?

It makes me think what would I do in Jesus’ position even if the evidence against me is overwhelming and the witnesses are hostile? I could argue but I know my words won’t be listened to. I could accept my consequences but I know it won’t sit with me comfortably. So what I do is suffer the consequences and live to fight for another day. Most importantly I learn from the experience and build on that for the next time.

Unfortunately, for Jesus there wasn’t a next time as he was crucified on a cross. Fortuitously three days later he rose from the dead and his mission that he challenged his disciples to continue was taken up and lives on in Christian Churches today. What an incredible legacy to die for your beliefs that are now respected by millions of people throughout the world. Furthermore the crucifixion is a message of hope as for all us from pain and suffering you have to believe there will always be a resurrection.

 

 

 

 

 

What was the Intention

In last week’s gospel, John 2:13-25, Jesus angrily drives the moneychangers and animals out of the temple. The question is what was Jesus’ intent in reacting violently to the activity in the temple?

I think Jesus was trying to change the way activities proceeded in the temple. He saw the temple as sacred belonging to God not for buying and selling in order to line the pockets of the moneychangers.

Often I believe people get angry when they think someone should act in a certain way but they behave in a totally contrary manner. Hence, Jesus by his actions wanted to highlight that when we act purely for our own selfish gain we are ignoring God’s presence and not including others in our life. Furthermore we must have the courage of our convictions so we can live according to our beliefs even if it requires a public stance.

Therefore Jesus was strongly advocating that if our intention is to include God in our lives we must respect the sacred and our motives must be purely selfless and not self-seeking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 10 Commandments

Recently, I read a contemporary version of the 10 commandments I would just like to make a short comment about them, as I really like how they relate to the challenges we confront in everyday life.

Make your faith in God the most important thing in your life.

I believe if God were your number one priority the way you live your life would be filled with strong relationships with all of God’s creation. If you value humanity and creation accordingly the benefits will be great.

Use God’s name in the proper way.

By respecting God’s name we appreciate the special and sacred nature of God in our life.

Make Sunday a day to worship God

Reserve a special time for God demonstrates how important God is in our lives.

Love and respect your parents and follow their rules.

This is a great way to show how much you listen, love and appreciate what your parents have done for you.

Be kind to the people and animals God has made and care for the environment.

Caring for our cosmos ensures the world continues to be vibrant for future generations.

Look after and care for your own body.

I believe we are all Made in the Image of God. Hence, you should always regard your body as a temple of the Lord so if you harm it in anyway you are causing damage to God’s creation.

Take care of other peoples’ things – don’t take what doesn’t belong   you.

I would contend that we are called to share our lives and belongings with others and not be self-seeking.

Tell the truth.

Honesty I would claim prevents many problems for everyone down the track.

Keep your thoughts and words respectful.

Always treat people how you would like to be treated is the golden rule that everyone can aspire to.

Be happy with the things you have.

I have thought that when we feel content we are far more capable of giving to others.