WHO ARE YOU, JESUS?

Mark 14: 53-62 (religious authorities); John 18: 33-40, 19: 8-16 (Pilate); Luke 23: 6-12 (Herod); Luke 23: 39-43 (criminal on cross)

On Good Friday the issue of ‘who Jesus is’ was a life and death matter. Unable to find consistent testimony against him, the high priest asked him point blank, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Mark finally has Jesus answer; “I am”, he said. The other synoptic writers are not so sure; Jesus said, they record, “You have said so.” These words were sufficient to condemn him to death for blasphemy.

But only Rome could actually execute someone, so Jesus was sent to Pilate. Pilate also asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” an invitation to convict himself of sedition. Jesus, according to John’s gospel, made clear that his kingship while real was not of this world. Pilate doesn’t understand and asked again. Jesus finally answered, “You say that I am.” Herod too interrogated him but Jesus did not answer. Crucifixion did not stop the questioning. Luke tells us that one of thieves put to death with him asked, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” Rebuked by the other thief, Jesus responded only to the repentant one. Wasting words on answering loaded questions even when the issue was life or death was not what Jesus did. His answers seem to be that which allowed him to fulfill what he understood to be his destiny.

When we come to Jesus, to a dying Jesus, what sort of questioner are we? When we see Jesus charged with a capital crime, what sort of answerer is he?

Jesus, as you were accused you still wanted someone to hear who you were, what you were about. You still knew those who asked. Even in pain your thoughts were about others and your calling. Help us to hear. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline