Scripture

“But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” Acts 3:14-15

Reflections

There are some pretty shocking words in the New Testament that seem to blame the Jews for Jesus’ death.  Are the Jews really responsible for Jesus’ death?

Jesus was Jewish.  He was the fulfillment of the Jewish law and prophets.  One would think all the Jewish people would have celebrated Jesus as the Messiah.  Sadly, the stories of Jesus’ passion recount Jewish leaders conspiring to have Jesus put to death.  He was a threat to their understanding of what the Jewish faith should be.  To the early followers of Jesus, this must have been a tremendous disappointment.

The Romans also played a role in Jesus’ crucifixion.  Anyone claiming to be a Messiah would be a threat to Caesar.

Most of Jesus’ followers were Jewish.  The truth is that some Jews followed Jesus.  Some rejected him.  The story of Jesus is never meant to be used as an excuse to hate others.  Each of us have our moments when we turn our backs upon God and his ways.

The cross of Jesus Christ is a message of love for all people, sinners in need of a Savior.  It is pointless to play “the blame game”. 

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for dying on the cross for me, one who falls to sin.  Help me this day to live in response to that, sharing your good news with anyone who need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Acts 3:12-19

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