One of the big themes of Easter, is that a man who did nothing wrong finds himself being vilified and nailed to a cross.
His only ‘crime’ was to confront the ruling elite of the temple with the truth of their abuses and corrupting practices. They were ignoring the impact of their economic and psychological abuse on the vulnerable and the poor. Structures and individuals supporting them shared responsibility for this abuse. They were only concerned with protecting their positions of power and their particular religious perspectives. Former rulers, including Herod, might have described them as decent people; men of good character. Jesus’s critique of them was pretty scathing.
But, it was Jesus who paid the price for speaking up and speaking out. The Sanhedrin went on to enjoy the privileges of power – for a little while at least.
Interesting how it’s the testimony of the victim that has stood the test of time and not that of the abusers and their friends.
Had there been a robust judicial system in place, I suspect a panel of jurors would, on hearing all the evidence, have proclaimed Jesus innocent and called for the Sanhedrin to be charged with blasphemy instead.
Shalom
David
(For all those victims and survivors of sexual abuse who find the courage to stand up and speak out).
