Prompted by Yesterday’s Question and Answer Session after Church
[Marble Collegiate Church, NYC; tri-faith sermon

SERMON “WITH A MIGHTY ARM AND AN OUTSTRETCHED HAND”
Dr. Michael B. Brown in conversation with

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl (Central Synagogue, NYC)
Dr. Hussain Rashid (Prof. of Islamic Studies at Hofstra Univ.)
and Rev. Robert Chase (Founding Director of Intersections International, a new global initiative of the Collegiate Churches of New York, the oldest corporation in North America, dating back to 1628.)

A man came up to the microphone and asked the tri-faith panel, “How do you explain these disturbing verses in the New Testament as we try to build bridges between Christians, Jews, and Muslims.”

Chapter 27
24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!”

26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Response from Steefen
Author of the Greatest Bible Study in Historical Accuracy: Insights on the Exodus, King David, and Jesus

They “chose” Jesus over Barabbas and were willing to have his blood on them and their children because Jesus did preach about a kingdom and the international messiah of Zechariah. John the Baptist asked him are you the one? Jesus said yes, tell John the blind are given sight and the lame walk.

That’s all nice and good but to the wise, listening, we waited for Jesus’ political vision to be endorsed by Temple authorities, Pharisees and scribes, and more importantly by Rome. We saw the Palm Sunday event, filled with all sorts of political messages. We KNOW he’s vying for religious and political change. Once Rome wises up to what Jesus is up to as our religious authorities are wise to Jesus’ references, we fear Rome will take military action and destroy our lives and the lives of our children. So, it is better that we and our children be responsible for Jesus’ blood and live in peace with the Roman than join the Son of Man / Kingdom of Righteousness Movement. Next thing you know, he’ll have zealots joining him and then the fight really will be on. We saw another Galilean, Judah, the Galilean, and his revolt. We don’t trouble with Rome. Crucify him! Crucify him, now than have Rome indiscriminately kill us all!

40 years later Rome did put down a Jewish Revolt and the Jews lost all.

= = =

They “chose” Jesus over Barabbas can be seen as a none-choice because Barabbas means Son of the Father. The choice may not be historical but only a literary device.