Passion of the Christ
- Part 3 -

Angam Zaung Chiru *

Easter Sunday at MBC Church, Chingmeirong, Imphal :: April 8 2012 :: Pix - Banti Phurailatpam

In the judgment hall of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. About Him are the guard of soldiers, and the hall is fast filling with spectators. Just outside the entrance are the judges of the Sanhedrin, Priests, rulers, elders, and the mob.

After condemning Jesus, the council of the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to have the Sentence confirmed and executed. But these Jewish officials would not enter the Roman Judgment hall. According to their ceremonial law they would be defiled thereby, and thus prevented from taking part in the feast of the Passover. In their blindness they did not see that murderous hatred had fulfilled their hearts. They did not see that Christ was the real Passover lamb, and that, since they had rejected Him, the great feast had for them lost its significance.

Pilate looked at the men who had Jesus incharge, and then his gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had to deal with all kinds of criminals; but never before had a man bearing marks of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On Jesus face he saw no sign of guilt, no expression of fear, and no boldness are defiance. He saw a man of calm and dignified bearing, whose countenance bore not the marks of criminal, but he signature of heaven.

Pilate took Jesus aside with him, and again questioned, "Art Thou the king of the Jews? Jesus did not directly answer this question. He knew that the Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate and he gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. "Sayest thou this things of thyself." He asked, "Or did other tell it thee of Me" That is, was it the accusations of the priests, or a desire to receive light from Christ, that prompted Pilate's questions? Pilate understood Christ's meaning" But pride arose in his heart.

He would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. "Am I a Jew?" he said "Thine own nation and chief Priests have delivered Thee unto me what has thou done?" Pilate's golden opportunity had passed. Yet Jesus did not leave him without further light. Whiles He did not directly answer Pilate's question He plainly sated His own mission. He gave Pilate to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne.

"My Kingdom is not of this world," He said "if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art thou a king then Jesus answered; thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.

Everyone that is of the truth hearth my voice. After hearing these words, Pilate going bout to the Jews, he declared emphatically, "I find in Him no fault at all." Yes of course, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, the tetrarchs of Galilee, and one of their own nation, but he also had found in Him (Jesus) nothing worthy of death. "I will therefore chastise Him," Pilate said, "and release Jesus. Pilate said in his heart, Jesus is a God. Turning to the multitude he declared, I am clear of His blood. (To be contd)

Take ye Him, and crucify Jesus. But mark ye, Priests and rulers, I pronounce Him a just man. May Jesus whom He claims as His Father judge you and not me for this day's work? Then to Jesus he said forgive me for this act: I cannot save you. And when he had again scourged Jesus, he delivered Jesus to be crucified. The savior made no murmur of complain. His face remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon Him brow.

There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from Jesus face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay Jesus human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus Pray for His enemies, "Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do."

As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with great violence thrust into the place Prepared for it. This caused the most intense agony to the son of God.

The Sun refused to look upon the awful scene. Its full, bright ways were illuminating the earth at midday, when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out. Complete darkness, like a funeral pall, enveloped the cross. There was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. There was no eclipse or other natural cause for this darkness which was as deep as midnight without moon or stars.

With wonder angles witness the savior's despairing agony the host of heaven veiled their faces from the fearful sight. Inanimate nature expressed sympathy with its insulted and dying author.

May God Bless Everyone.

Concluded...