Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—John 18:28-32
by: Andrew J. Camenga.
Death was the desired goal of the leaders and religious authorities in Jerusalem. After talking for years about how to get rid of him, they decided to use the Roman system because that system provided a safe way to "permanently" rid the world of Jesus and simultaneously discredit him as a man of God. ("Is it possible that he could be as good as they say he is-the Romans decided to crucify him?")
The gospels make it clear that the leaders in Jerusalem played a significant role in the death of Jesus. The gospels also make it clear that we played a significant role in the death of Jesus. We did not conspire with the Romans to hang Jesus on the cross until he suffocated. At some point, however, we did agree to set aside the will of God and follow our own will. We should not blame others; Jesus died for us.