BETWEEN THE LINES: Good Friday scenario remains with us today
On Easter, the day commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians around the world celebrated by packing churches. We believe that without his sacrifice on the cross for our sins, there would be no hope for mankind.
My journey to Christianity started early with my family regularly attending church. In simple child-like faith, I accepted the Gospel message: I was a sinner, the wages of sin bring death and to be saved I needed a redeemer. Later in life I would pursue the intricate details.
I have over the years sought the comfort and wisdom of the theological giants in the field, beginning with C.S. Lewis, the apologist who once was a devoted atheist. His seminal work, "Mere Christianity," is a must-read for those looking for a logical approach to faith. The British theologian argues people have a choice when it comes to Jesus Christ. They must accept that Jesus says who he is (being God) or believe he was a madman — there is no other choice, no middle ground.
My family first attended a Presbyterian church and later a Baptist one. After marriage, I began attending a Methodist church. I believe the choice of a denomination, while important, is not crucial to salvation.
Churches, because they are made up of people, are far from perfect. They should demonstrate above all else compassion. While performing good deeds, they must convey the message that the emptiness in people’s lives only can be filled by God. Everything else is a poor substitute for the real thing.
On the day of Christ’s crucifixion the key players were assembled. There was the appointed Roman official, Pontius Pilate, a career politician exiled to the holy lands far from the power base in Rome. On the other side was the Jewish religious hierarchy represented by the Pharisees. Finally, there were the masses outside in the courtyard.
The Jewish leaders wanted death for Jesus, who posed a threat to their rule. However, Roman law prevented them from using capital punishment. To accomplish their objective, Jesus had to be guilty of promoting an uprising against Rome.
After interviewing the accused, Pilate could find no fault in Jesus. He tried numerous ways to extricate himself from this dilemma to no avail, for his goal was not to offend the Jewish leaders whose support he needed to maintain peace in the area. Finally, he came up with one last plan he felt would work. He would offer the crowd outside a choice of freeing Jesus or Barabbas, a lifelong criminal.
To his utter disappointment, the mob repeatedly yelled out Barabbas’ name, so pragmatism prevailed that day. One thing history has shown is that mobs do not have a good track record when it comes to discerning truth or showing wisdom.
In many ways, the scenario that played out on Good Friday remains with us today. Truth still appears to be the last thing that so many people, especially those in positions of authority, continue to evade as they pursue a course of action always in their best interest.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 13 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.