Wednesday’s thoughts on the sermon
There is a new way of looking at the role of Pilate and Judas as we are moving deep into Lent and seeing the inexorable conclusion in Holy Week. I would like to share these thoughts with you:
It seems to me that Pilate’s primary motivation when he questioned Jesus and when he discovered how Jesus would not anwer his questions directly Pilate took the position that we would simply ignore the issues presented and did push forward his own authority. He made it clear that he had the power to order the crucifixion or he could have Jesus released. He wanted it to be known that he was a man of power. I think his response to what was presented him was to exercise restraint, but to activate his own influence. He called attention to himself. He didn’t need to get even, but he did need to get back to the issue so people would know he had entered in. He made a symbolic statement without becoming directly involved. Sometimes the best we can to is to exercise restraint and refrain from getting even, but enter into the issue by putting forth our own power in a symbolic way. When Paul said to his Apostles, “If people are unkind to you be kind to them. It will be like pouring burning coals on their heads.”
It seems to me the Judas did something interesting when he participated in the arrest of Jesus prior to the crucifixion. He identified Jesus for the Roman soldiers. I have often wondered why he did that and now I think I know. I think Judas was angry at Jesus for looking to Simon, calling him Peter, and saying that since he was Peter (the rock) it would be upon the ‘rock’ that Jesus would build the church. I think Judas expected that he would be the most favored Disciple. I think Judas was “getting even”.
In the sermon I want us to look at the ways we participate in other people’s lives by getting even when they have hurt us or by getting back at them symbolically when we feel they have it coming. I want to look for a better way of responding to injustice. I want to look for a way of moving beyond retaliation, and moving beyond restraint, to a response that includes reconciliation. I am convinced we can get to that level of response but I believe it will take God helping us to get there.
What are your ideas? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net or allow others to see your ideas by clicking on the “comments” box below. I appreciate your thoughts.
Charles Schuster
