Today’s service centered around Pilate and Jesus: Kingdoms in Conflict. John 18:33 – 18:37(quite possibly incorrectly notated-whatev)
I begin by declaring that: I, in no way, assert any likeness, of my own, to Jesus. I am learning for the first time, how it is, he came to be crucified. I always thought the Christians did it. Seriously, though. (Spoiler alert–It was the Romans) I was gripped by the topic of Kingdoms in Conflict and immediately related my experience with what I would consider to be persecution by an unholy alliance–for treason.
For individuals like my sister (haha-what?) Pilate, unwilling to negotiate or tolerate irreverence and non-compliance, the iron fist rules–“justice” for perceived defiance will be exacted by any means necessary. Pilate was unable grasp that Jesus was not actively challenging the “local law of the land”, though when asked; “Are you King?” Jesus stated consistently: “My Kingdom is not here”.
Insecure in his own sense of power, Pilate was intolerant of his failure to beat Jesus into submission or admission of trynuh be King— AND SO, he sought collaboration with Herod and Cesar. United in their need to be rid of Jesus, they REacted sinfully, with their collective will, oppression, hatred, and tyranny.
Jesus’ admission of his reverence to God was labelled treasonous to the empire–just cause for death by crucifixion. (In my case, my crucifixion alone would be fine, if not for the imposing of deep and lasting worries on my children, that they, and I can do nothing about. Their mandated involvement is damaging and as a helpless observer, it feels worse than death. Death happens once and then it is over.)
I, no doubt, am missing large parts of the story, new to the teachings of Jesus and far more spiritually directed than religious. Learning and observing how the barbaric politics of the First Century differ little from those of today, is as fascinating as it is repulsive.
I am deeply moved to know and practice more of Jesus’ brand of love: courageous, humble, difficult, gritty, earthy, and transformative. I have still so much to learn about holy love. Fortunately, I now have great teachers and models of wholesome badass love. Thank you, Favorite and Sweet Greg for teaching me and my children. I am a work in progress. I love you, the best I can.
