By Albert Thyrniang
Christians are in the Holy Week. The most important week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter vigil. Who is this Jesus whom the crowd cheered for when He triumphantly arrived at city of Jerusalem as ‘king’ riding on a young donkey? Who is this teacher who washed the feet of his disciples during a meal on Holy Thursday? Who is this prophet who had to face a shameful death at his prime on Good Friday? What led to the ‘disgraceful’ consequence of crucifixion? Who is this religious leader who, through his resurrection on Easter Sunday, showed that death is the not the end of everything?
An uncompromising Jesus
The main reason that took Jesus to mount Calvary was because he stood by his convictions. He was always at odds with the Jews in general and the Pharisees in particular. Throughout his three years of ministry in Palestine he was constantly accused of breaking the Sabbath day. For the Jews Saturday was (is) a day of complete rest literally and strictly adhering to the statement in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, “God created the universe in six days and on the seventh day he rested.” Even today sections of Jews would not do any work on the holy day. Even cooking, lighting a fire, fetching water are forbidden as they constitute work. Jesus did not agree with this school of thought for the ‘Ten Commandments’ merely gives a general instruction, “Keep the Sabbath holy.” The ‘Ten Commandments’ were multiplied into more than 600 prescriptions which had become a burden to the common and illiterate folk.
Jesus broke the seventh day by performing miracles on Sabbath. He extended his hands to heal the sick and touched the eyes of the blind with his fingers. For him Sabbath was a day to do good. The Pharisees, a separated class (from the ordinary Jews) who insisted on the exact observance of the law, questioned Jesus on his actions. Jesus was not to alter his position. He was adamant not to cease work because of opposition. He faced the consequence for it. At the trial by Caiaphas before Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate, the allegation of violating the Sabbath was brought before the powerful cleric.
The next accusation was blasphemy. For the Jews Yahweh is their only God. Jesus declared himself as ‘the son of God’. This was a sacrilege. Jesus, instead of being apologetic, re-affirmed that He came from God; that He and God were one and that He did everything as commanded by his Father. Jesus was an unceasing thorn in the flesh of the Pharisees and therefore they looked for every opportunity to get rid of him. Finally they conspired with Judas, one of apostles, into betraying his master. He led the team of the Jews into the Garden of Gethsemane for Jesus to be taken into custody. No wonder Caiaphas found Him guilty of blasphemy.
Unlike Jesus, many a Christian today, including leaders, compromise on their principles. The scandals in the Church are a result of the compromise on one’s identity and vocation. Unprincipled politics is apparent before our eyes. Devoid of any ideology, pliable Christian politicians came together after a mudslinging campaign accusing each of corruption and being anti-Christian. Yet, these ‘netas’ even publicly call on Jesus’ name.
A Revolutionary Jesus
Jesus’ view on Sabbath was revolutionary. He challenged the prevailing practices. He did not go by the established conventions. It was not a surprise that the Pharisees did not tolerate Him. And He himself knew that if He continued to swim against the current He would suffer serious consequences. Besides Sabbath, Jesus befriended the tax collectors, sinners and the lowly. Jesus was not an ordinary human. He wanted to break the social and religious barriers that that kept a community apart. This was not taken kindly to by the religious leaders who were out to punish Him. Jesus was not deterred even if it meant an untimely end.
In mainstream religions queries are not tolerated. In Christianity and Islam the Scriptures, beliefs, dogmas and established practices are not expected to be questioned. Individuals have been condemned because they dared to express reservations over certain religious matters. Hinduism is said to be the most tolerant religion. That tag is fast disappearing today. Groups claiming to represent the most ancient religion even use violence against their perceived enemies. A judgement of right or wrong is not pronounced here but probably Jesus would not condemn anyone.
An Offending Jesus
Jesus offended the Pharisees. He criticised the anti-Hellenistic class. He called them hypocrites and whitewashed tombs. These were words most unkind. He called them out because their preaching and actions did not tally. They pretended to excel in the observance of religion but their hearts were irreligious. They prayed in public places to be seen by others. They fasted but they put up a dismal face to be noticed by others. They gave alms but announced it before all. Of course, the Pharisees, who were deadly against any Greco-Roman influence, were self-righteous and hence did not pay heed to Jesus’ denunciation. They became all the more hard-hearted relentless in their pursuit of their detractor.
In our world too criticism and dissent is not taken kindly. Taking these ‘sticks’ by people in public service – religious or civil are becoming rarer.
A non-status Jesus
Jesus rode on a donkey when he entered Jerusalem for the last time. The use of a donkey symbolised the arrival of the humble Jesus, the Prince of Peace as opposed to a war-waging king who usually came on a horse. He also washed the feet of his disciples, an act performed by servants for their masters.
Religious leaders today are attached to status symbols. We ride in expensive cars. Those in high office even dress royally. They sit on ‘thrones’. Servant leadership is not always appreciated.
Ironically our ministers and MLAs who vow before the media that they are to be guided by Jesus, possess vehicles like Toyota Camry (25 lakh), Grand Vitara (10 lakh), Jeep Hard Top Mahindra (10 lakh), Fortuner (20 lakh), Innova (20 lakh) not to mention the cash, residence and commercial buildings, jewelleries and other assets. The favourite vehicle politicians purchase are the different variants of Bolero which costs over Rs10 lakh. These are beyond the reach of most voters. More than 76% of the current MLAs are crorepatis, a rise from the 71% in the last Assembly. Jesus never had any of these. He was poor and humble. Ministers and MLAs are also servants but behave like lords.
An Innocent Jesus
Jesus was declared innocent by Pontius Pilate twice and Herod once but still he was condemned to be crucified a judgment reserved for non-Roman hard-core criminals. After the initial failure to convince Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, of the crime of blasphemy (under Roman law a person is not condemned under religious law), the Pharisees brought up the charge that Jesus declared himself the ‘King of the Jews’. Jesus did not deny but clarified that his kingdom is not of this world. In spite of that, Pilate fearing riots from the Jews who shouted repeatedly ‘crucify him, crucify him’, sentenced Jesus to death washing his hands and setting free the diehard criminal, Barabbas, instead.
Today too justice can be coloured. The conviction of Rahul Gandhi seems to be so. A BJP man filed the case in a BJP-ruled state against the scion who is also the main opponent of Narendra Modi. We know that political rivals face political vendetta. We know that thousands are languishing in jail without trials There are many ‘Jesuses’ even today.
A Lasting Jesus
By succeeding to have Jesus killed, the Pharisees thought they had got rid of Him for good. But that was not to be. In three days He rose from the dead. The large stone that blocked the grave was removed. He appeared to Mary Magdalene and other women. His disciples saw him. Saint Thomas placed his finger on his wounds. The Pharisees heard about the strange turn of events and bribed the soldiers guarding the tomb to lie before the authorities saying that while they were asleep Jesus’s disciples took the body away. How can those who sleep while on duty testify?
Soon the disciples became bold to proclaim that Jesus was alive. Even Paul, the Pharisee and an avowed persecutor of Christians became Christ’s Apostle. A community, called Christians emerged. The name of Jesus spread far and wide. No persecution and oppression succeeded. Today Christ’s believers are more than 2.2 billion world-wide.
The Pharisees did not succeed in banishing Jesus. He is the most popular name today. Presently Christians are persecuted in India through anti-conversion laws and other means. This could be a blessing in disguise.