Should
Christians be angry with the Jews for the
Crucifixion of Christ? Absolutely not!!! Throughout history, some Christians
have blamed the Jews for the
crucifixion of the Savior. The Jews are not to blame. There are many Jew that stood by Jesus during his arrest, torture and death. While it is true that the apostles scattered in fear after Jesus was taken, the apostle Peter was willing to fight and die in order to prevent the arrest of Jesus: (
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, pulled it out and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear.) It was Jesus that stopped Peter from more violence. There were other Jews that stood by Jesus during the crucifixion: (Matthew 27:55 – 56, Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and given him support were also there, watching from a distance.
27:56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.). Also, after the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, along with Nicodemus, prepared the body of Jesus for burial: (Mark
15:43: Joseph of Arimathea, a highly regarded member of the council, who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.) While many Jews rejected the message of Jesus, it is important to note that some stood by Him as well. Also, we must not forget that the Gentiles were also responsible. It was Pilate who authorized the crucifixion and the Roman soldiers that tortured Jesus: (Matthew 27:29 – 31; and after braiding a crown of thorns, they put it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, and kneeling down before Him, they mocked Him: “Hail, king of the Jews!”
27:30 They spat on Him and took the staff and struck Him repeatedly on the head.
27:31 When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.). Most importantly, those who are looking for someone to blame do not fully comprehend the event. The death and subsequent resurrection of Christ are necessary for our Salvation. Jesus Himself said so: (Matthew
20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”). Jesus Christ paid for our sins by suffering on the cross at Calvary in order that we may be saved. This event needed to happen if we are to ever hope to attain salvation. So then who is to blame? Every time I contemplate that question, I have but one conclusion. I need to look in the mirror. I am a sinner and because of that, I cannot earn salvation: (Romans 3:32 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.) Salvation is a gift from God that was paid for by the Blood of Jesus. For every transgression and act of disobedience that I commit, Jesus needs to pay the price. That is just the same as if I was there 2,000 years ago and nailed Jesus to the Cross. It is the same as if I put the crown of thorns on His head, whipped Him and spat upon Him. If I was not a sinner, Jesus would not have had to suffer on the Cross on my behalf. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your undeserved gift of salvation and thank you for suffering on the cross on my behalf. Mark Askeda.