The Crucifixion of Jesus

May 2 2

In most Easter pageants I’ve seen, the crowds during Jesus’ final days include the same actors and characters with whom Jesus interacted during His ministry and those who shout “Crucify,” leading up to His death. I suspect this is because many churches and ministries’ productions of Passion plays don’t have enough cast members.

But Jesus’ accusers were not the common people who loved Him. Instead, His detractors were religious leaders: Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests, elders, and the Sanhedrin. Why would I say that? Compare Jesus’ interactions with the religious leaders vs. Jesus’ interactions with the common people. How Jesus ministered to those groups of people was very different.

It seems that every time Jesus interacted with common people, He spoke to them with grace and mercy. However, when Jesus interacted with the religious leaders, He threw the book at them, pointing out their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. He repeatedly uses parables to strike at the hearts of the Jewish leaders, while speaking encouraging words to the common people.

In Luke 23, the religious leaders taunt Jesus. When Pilate asked Jesus if He was the Son of God, He turned the question back on him, “You say so.” (Luke 23:3) Jesus didn’t have to answer. The religious leaders, as well as the government leaders, knew there was plenty of evidence of Jesus’ authority. (Luke 13:18; 20; 23:23–24)

Pilate sent Jesus to Herod in order to question Him because Herod had wanted to speak with Jesus for a long time. We have seen in the past that there were several Herods in Jewish history. This particular Herod was Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, who’d ordered the massacre of all boys two years old and under to rid the world of the baby who’d been born the “king of the Jews.” (Matthew 2:16)

Application

Most of the people in Jesus’ day loved Him. Children were drawn to Him. (Luke 18:16) Blind, lame, and sick people came to Him to be healed. But the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, priests, elders, and the Sanhedrin hated Him because He threatened their power and hold over the people.

We always need to be cognizant of Jesus’ ability to heal the sick today. He remains our great physician and provider. So, glorify Him by asking Him to heal and provide for you. Not one verse in the Bible says that miracles have ceased. In fact, we’ll discuss the continuing use of these gifts on July 13. So, stick around!

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman