They wanted Jesus dead – period!
This became the goal of the council of religious leaders in the following section of the Easter timeline.
So, they took Jesus to the Romans who could pronounce the death sentence.
Today’s Bible study lesson is short but powerful.
It comes from Mark 15 and sets the stage for the horrific events to come…
“Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders, scribes, and the entire Council immediately held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led Him away, and turned Him over to Pilate.” – Mark 15:1
The Condemnation Christ ( Easter )
The Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to the Romans (Pilate) because they had no authority to impose the death penalty under Roman law.
And, they had no desire for a long prison sentence; they wanted Jesus dead!
Why the cross?
Why was the council animate about Jesus dying on a cross?
Well, there’s a very good reason as explained below…
Don’t Just Kill – But Curse Him
When writing this lesson, I discovered an interesting point brought out by the Life Application Study Bible.
The big reason the religious leaders wanted Jesus to die on the cross was because, according to Deuteronomy 21:23, dying on the cross brought a curse from God.
This was their way of making sure the followers and disciples of Christ believe that Jesus is a cursed man instead of blessed.
The Mind of God
One thing the Jewish leaders did not anticipate was that:
God does not always do what people expect Him to do.
God does exactly what He wants to do – no negotiation!
P.S. I decided to look up the verse mentioned so I could share it with you. —
Deuteronomy 21:23 “his body is not to be left overnight on the tree, but you shall certainly bury him on the same day (for he who is hanged is cursed of God), so that you do not defile your land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.”
This is what the council of religious leaders wanted people to believe.
The good news is simple: We don’t!
Now that we have the New Testament story of Easter, we know the truth.
And, the truth is; we are not cursed but blessed by knowing and believing in Jesus Christ.
Love in Christ
– Bob
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