The Plot to Kill Jesus

We Worship God
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Christ is Risen!

Matthew 26:1-5 (The Message)

Anointed for Burial

 ^1-2 When Jesus finished saying these things, he told his disciples, "You know that Passover comes in two days. That's when the Son of Man will be betrayed and handed over for crucifixion." ^3-5At that very moment, the party of high priests and religious leaders was meeting in the chambers of the Chief Priest named Caiaphas, conspiring to seize Jesus by stealth and kill him. They agreed that it should not be done during Passover Week. "We don't want a riot on our hands," they said.

For Reflection
What did Jesus do to make such drastic action seem necessary?  What were the Jewish religious leaders threatened by?  Many factors influenced the crucifixion, political, social and religious. But, perhaps one of the  the most threatening things that Jesus brought was the removal of fear.  Those that lead from a power base of fear were threatened by those who lead from a base of love.  Jesus's promise of forgiveness, and his quest for justice and peace trumped the tyranny of the culture of his day just as His promise threatens tyrannies of culture today.  Jesus is still turning the world upside-down; transforming it one individual at a time.  How are you helping?

Pray
to be fearless.  Pray that you willingly take risks to act in love.  Pray that all those who are oppressed and heavy laden find in Jesus compassion, comfort and the saving grace of God.