tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21777801765272312062024-03-13T07:32:05.871+03:00The Jerusalem TimesNews & Views | Local & Roman
| From Herod's Kingdom to Caesar's Empire Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-4137737885256867892023-04-04T00:30:00.000+03:002023-04-04T10:21:42.376+03:00Temple Traders Thrown Out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A day after he arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus, in a rare angry outburst, entered the temple courts of Jerusalem and began driving out those who were buying and selling there.<br />
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He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, and did not not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.<br />
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“<i>Is it not written: ‘</i>My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations<i>’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers", </i>he admonished the traders.<br />
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Some bystanders told this reporter they were amazed at the strange authority with which he drove the traders away.<br />
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"He acted like he owned the place", lamented some displaced traders.<br />
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It is learnt that the traders have made a complaint against him to temple authorities, but the authorities are unable to do anything, openly, afraid of upsetting the huge crowds that are following Jesus, and listening to him preach.<br />
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However, unfazed by covert threats from temple authorities', Jesus said he will be preaching the next day in the same temple area.<br />
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So, tomorrow will tell us more.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Fig Tree Cursed</span></h4>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
A hungry Jesus, later in the day, saw a fig tree by the road. But when he went up to it, he found no figs, but only leaves.<br />
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Then he said to it, “<i>May you never bear fruit again!</i>” Very rarely has Jesus cursed anything. It seems like a rare day, said one of his disciples.<br />
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But it is clear that Jesus likes fruitful trees. And he's, perhaps telling us to live fruitful lives, the disciple; said along with some other followers.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Jesus Cried over the City?</span></h4>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
Earlier to the Temple incident, Jesus was seen emotionally troubled - at the city of Jerusalem's moral condition - according to our special correspondent, embedded in the crowds.<br />
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When Jesus had earlier approached Jerusalem and had seen the city, he wept over 'Jerusalem" and said, “<i>If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes</i>.<br />
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"<i>The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.</i>”<br />
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They seem very prophetic, though we do not really know the future.<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Exclusive!!</b></span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">High Priests Speak Out!</span></b></h2>
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In an exclusive interview with our own correspondent <i>Krosstiana Hamanpoor</i>, Chief Priests of the Temple of Jerusalem, <b>Annas </b>and his son-in-law <b>Caiaphas</b>, openly expressed displeasure at the rising popularity of Jesus.</span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><span><!--more--></span><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />"It is shameless, the way he is allowing people to treat him like a king", they complained.<br />
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"'Blessed is the 'king' who comes in the name of the Lord', were the shouts of the people. How can they call him a king? And why did he not tell them to stop? Is he a simple preacher? Or is he a King?", they asked.<br />
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"Did you know what he said when the Pharisees asked him to stop his disciples from praising him as 'king' yesterday? Jesus said, " if they (disciples) keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”<br />
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"Does it mean he is so great and so divine, that even the stones of Jerusalem will praise him? What is he thinking of himself? Who does he think he is?"<br />
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Our correspondent asked them why it is making them upset when it is no serious crime if any of your followers praise you, with whatever name they wish.<br />
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"This is exactly what we should not permit," High Priest Annas replied. "This Jesus is a definite troublemaker. He is arousing people against us. He should be stopped. He's a fraud. He's a fake King, and he's even making himself into God. Completely against Jewish customs. It is blasphemy"!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />"In the <i>Torah</i>, it is written in the book of <i>Numbers </i>that 'God is not man', and in the book of <i>Isaiah</i>, the prophet said, 'God is everlasting'. So, how can Jesus, a mere man, a son of a carpenter, be everlasting? He is not even half my age", asked Annas.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Caiphas laughed and added, "Son of that carpenter Joseph? In fact, that's a joke. That is a question all of Nazareth, his own town, is asking".</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">But Annas interrupted him and said, "As good priests, we are not casting aspersions on his parentage. Let that be between that carpenter and his wife. We are against this fraudster for other stronger and religious reasons. We cannot accept his condemnation of our teachings, insulting us in front of crowds, and even making statements contrary to the law of Moses. That is not acceptable".</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Öur correspondent asked what harm a mere teacher can do if people just call him a king. The real rulers - Herod the King of Judea, and Caeser, the Emperor of Rome Empire - may not even care what this carpenter's son or the so-called teacher can do.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"We are going to take action if they don't. As responsible high priests of the temple, we have the authority to ask the Roman law and order officials to stop this man's fake teachings. Jewish law is enough to condemn this man for blasphemy", they said. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />******</div>
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Elsewhere, the city is abuzz with many activities due to the Passover and the Festival of the Unleavened Bread.<br />
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Some intelligence reports suggest that there could be a danger to Jesus' life.<br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">MY TWO DENARII WORTH </span></h3>
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<br />
Column by Religious and Political Analyst<br />
<b>Prof. Eliezer ben Ahimelech</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Hebrew Etymologist, Curator of the Israeli Archives </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Expert in Jewish History and Language,</div>
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Holding the Baruch ben Neriah Chair at University of Jerusalem<br />
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We regret this Column is not being published today. Professor Eliezer has not sent in, his commentary, as he is currently attending a high-level meeting of the Sanhedrin to discuss city's arrangements for Passover and the Festival of the Unleavened Bread.<br />
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<b>Also attending the Sanhedrin meeting are two high-ranking Jewish Officials, <span style="color: #990000;">Nicodemus, a Pharisee</span> and <span style="color: #990000;"><span>Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man in Jerusalem</span><span style="color: #990000;">. </span></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It is learnt from reliable sources, that both are showing their liking for Jesus, but have not expressed it to the media. </b><br />
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-8020312208606498362023-04-03T21:47:00.000+03:002023-04-03T21:47:59.849+03:00Strange Procession Confounds City <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sunday's strange procession through the streets of Jerusalem has taken the city authorities by surprise.</div>
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The well-known teacher Jesus was seen riding on a small donkey, welcomed by throngs of residents and visitors lined-up on either sides of the streets of the city. <br /><br />His twelve disciples, other followers, and admirers sang, and cheered him on, by waving leaves from palm trees.<br />
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Our local correspondent, who followed the procession, reports that excited, energetic, screaming masses were seen placing palm-leaves, and even clothes, on the ground. And the donkey and its rider were seen walking through the singing crowds, to a strange joyous welcome.<br />
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The key lyrics of songs that rent the air were ""<i>Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"<br /><br />“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!", </i>sang some others.<br />
<i><br /></i>
When several onlookers, and foreigners visiting Jerusalem, asked the jubilant celebrants who this person was, they proudly said it was Rabbi Jesus from Nazareth, which is in Galilee.<br />
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<b>Who is he?</b><br />
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Our readers would be aware from our earlier news reports - that the radical modern teacher Jesus shot into fame in most parts of Judea and Galilee after he miraculously raised Lazarus of Bethany, from the dead.<br />
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We had reported earlier that this Rabbi's other miracle of using just five loaves and two fish to feed over 5000 men - apart from women and children - caused a huge sensation and debate across Judea and Samaria.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Jesus' unconventional new teachings are drawing condemnation from some religious scholars who think his teachings are not in line with the <i><a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/what-is-the-torah/" target="_blank">Torah's</a></i>.<br />
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On several occasions, however, when <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html" target="_blank">Pharisees</a> and <a href="https://www.bibleodyssey.org/people/related-articles/who-were-the-sadducees/" target="_blank">Sadducees</a> questioned him - they say - he had displayed exceptional knowledge of Jewish Scriptures.<br />
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Now, much to the dismay of the Jewish Synagogue authorities, Jesus already has thousands of followers in the region.<br />
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It is learnt, from reliable sources, that the synagogue members are feeling threatened by the rising popularity of this modern preacher.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">
Don't miss <b>TOMORROW'S EDITION</b> for an exclusive interview with Temple High Priests Annas and Caiaphas.</span><br />
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'A storm is brewing' says our correspondent <i>Krosstiana Hamanpoor, </i>who talked to them on Sunday night<i>.</i><br />
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The high priests reveal a growing animosity towards Jesus, and they also tell us about the huge rifts that are developing within the Jewish community.<br />
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Non-Jewish community in, and around, Jerusalem is also apprehensive about the new developments in the region.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Mayor Surprised</span><br />
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The city's mayor says that this jubilant celebration by the crowds was completely unexpected.<br />
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According to him, the city was making preparations for a huge number of visitors expected for the <i>Passover </i>festival due this week-end.<br />
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As Jerusalem is the capital city of the Jews, even if it is currently under Roman rule, he said he has orders from King Herod to ensure that city's Passover Celebrations go on without trouble from the crowds.<br />
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The mayor said he did not expect this teacher Jesus to suddenly 'steal the limelight' by making this grand entrance into the city.<br />
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With crowds going overboard in declaring their joy at the arrival of this simple, but now-famous teacher, the mayor said he is tightening security, ahead of the Passover festival.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Disciples and Donkey</span><br />
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Two of Jesus' disciples who did not reveal their names told our reporter that their master had earlier asked them to go to the village of Bethphage, about a mile from Jersusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. He said they will find a donkey tied by a house, and they must untie and bring it.<br />
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Jesus apparently instructed the disciples to tell the owners of the animal, if they ask, that "The Lord has need of it." The men found the donkey, told the owners what Jesus said, and brought it to Jesus.<br />
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And the little donkey became a star attraction, yesterday.<br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">MY TWO DENARII WORTH </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Column by Religious and Political Analyst<br />
<b>Prof. Eliezer ben Ahimelech</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hebrew Etymologist, Curator of the Israeli Archives </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Expert in Jewish History and Language,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holding the Baruch ben Neriah Chair at University of Jerusalem</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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I believe the readers might be curious to know more about at least three things from Sunday's events and the events ahead.<br />
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What is "Passover"? What does "Hosanna" mean? And what is the significance of Jesus' riding on the donkey? Shouldn't a king, if Jesus is really a king, as his followers claim, actually be riding on a horse?<br />
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<b>Passover</b><br />
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Israelites celebrate Passover Festival with great fervour for a symbolically significant reason. For Jews, Passover is not only an occasion of great joy but also of a sacred family time. Celebrating it is a cultural and religious imperative.<br />
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The reason is this: It commemorates their freedom from slavery-and-bondage from Egypt, almost 15 centuries ago.<br />
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They were freed, and allowed to go, by Pharaoh only after Pharaoh's first-born son died when the Angel of Death struck, as was declared by Prophet Moses. In fact, all the first born offspring of Egypt were struck that night.<br />
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The Angel of Death, however, '<i>passed over</i>' the Israelite residences without striking any Israeli first-born.<br />
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But, why did the angel 'pass over' and did not strike Israeli households? It is because they had all smeared door-posts of their houses with unblemished lambs' blood, as instructed by Moses.<br />
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The '<i>Passover</i>' Festival thus marks a historically great moment when their first born were not only saved from death, but also got complete redemption from Pharaoh's bondage. It is after this, that the free Israelis set off to their promised land, under Moses' leadership.<br />
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This weekend is the celebration of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread by the Jews. It is celebrated usually on the 15th day of the Nisan month of the Hebrew Calendar.<br />
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<b>Donkey Ride</b><br />
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Interestingly, the scroll of Prophet Zehchariah that I have - which was written 500 years ago - came to my mind when I heard about the incident of Jesus on the donkey. There is a place in the scroll where it says:<br />
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<i>“Say to Daughter Zion,</i><br />
<i> ‘See, your king comes to you,</i><br />
<i>gentle and riding on a donkey,</i><br />
<i> and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." </i><br />
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Though I do not know if this passage has any connection to what happened on Sunday, to many, it might appear like a prophesy, and that it has suddenly come true.<br />
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Many Jews, I suspect, are secretly hoping that Jesus is the promised Messiah, as well as the King - who will free them from Roman occupation as well as from the tyranny of current Jewish leadership, and lead them into a brave new world. But many others, disagree.<br />
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<i>I find it pertinent to mention here that according to Jewish law, it is completely blasphemous for any ordinary man to say he is a King or that he is God.</i><br />
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<b>Hosanna</b><br />
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'<i>Hosanna</i>' is word of Hebrew and Aramaic origin. It means 'Save', or 'Help, I pray'. I am unclear as to why the crowds think that he is a saviour, but it looks like they believe he is their Saviour indeed.<br />
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I am actually amused at this because, I strongly feel that, very shortly, he will need to be saved!!<br />
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In the higher echelons of power here, those upset at his growing fame are already plotting against him.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Caesar Tiberius' Strange New Proposal</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">From Our Correspondent in Rome.</span></b></div>
<br />
Caesar <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/tiberius.shtml">Tiberius</a>, the Emperor of Rome, who is the step-son, and successor of Octavian (Caesar Augustus) has addressed the Senate, last week, on the necessity of stopping new conquests.<br />
<br />
He stressed that the conquests of earlier Roman rulers - his predecessors, Pompey, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Octavian (Caesar Augustus) - on either sides of the Mediterranean are yielding considerable tax-revenue, regularly adding to the treasury.<br />
<br />
The taxes and tributes from Gaul, in particular, have risen according his Head of Treasury.<br />
<br />
Funds must be used to expand the city of Rome, and further conquests are to be stopped for the time being, he suggested.<br />
<br />
Senate will continue debating this, next fortnight.<br />
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-32788457170486503432023-04-02T20:19:00.000+03:002023-04-02T20:19:06.149+03:00Jesus' Body Missing! He is Risen, Say his Disciples!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE0eIIfVYY7hilevRujbIKnLuEHyKDiVxdio-sdCfHKSXlhD2TlEgEB-0YxE4MSDFNXCFqZ24hAkLBLJYU8OpGIvmzJ6V2bF3apANX3UxcQl02eEu2bBBkV-IDea88kznpf1cWb0PvB8/s1600/the-empty-tomb-gynt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE0eIIfVYY7hilevRujbIKnLuEHyKDiVxdio-sdCfHKSXlhD2TlEgEB-0YxE4MSDFNXCFqZ24hAkLBLJYU8OpGIvmzJ6V2bF3apANX3UxcQl02eEu2bBBkV-IDea88kznpf1cWb0PvB8/s1600/the-empty-tomb-gynt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;">SHOCK! </span></b><b><span style="color: red;">SURPRISE!</span></b><br />
<br />
Shock and Surprise are the words that describe the situation in the city, on Sunday morning, when the burial tomb of Jesus was found empty.<br />
<br />
Jewish authorities and the Roman soldiers expressed complete astonishment at the news of the missing body of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Jesus’ disciples and some followers, however, say they are actually overjoyed.<br />
<br />
They are claiming that he arose from the dead, just as he said he would.<br />
<br />
It is learnt that, by early morning, on Sunday, some women, Mary Magdalene, and two disciples of Jesus, who had all gone to Jesus' tomb separately, have found out – to their shock - that the stone across the tomb of Jesus was rolled aside, and there was no body!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Where is the body?</span></b><br />
<br />
As reported, in yesterday’s edition, it was soon after Jesus’ death on Friday evening, that two elders of the Jewish Authorities, Joseph of Arimathae and Niccodemas approached Governor Pilate.<br />
<br />
They then received permission from him to take down the body of Jesus from the cross, and to bury him.<br />
<br />
And just before Sabbath, as the sun set on Friday, they ensured that Jesus was buried in a cave-tomb nearby, according to Jewish customs, wrapped in strips of linen.<br />
<br />
They then rolled a stone, across the mouth of the cave hewn out of rock, and left.<br />
<br />
But today, the big question - Where is the body??<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="color: red;">"Tomb was Guarded" say Roman Officials</span></b></div>
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It is learnt from reliable sources that, late on Saturday evening, the chief priests and the Pharisees met Governor Pontius Pilate. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
They asked Governor Pilate to give an order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
They had said, “We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’, and that is the reason we must guard the grave", </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Otherwise, the chief priests and the Pharisees claimed, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first, they said.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
“Take a guard,” Pilate had answered. “Go, and make the tomb as secure as you know how.”<br />
<br />
The tomb was made secure by a seal on the stone and by the posting of a Roman guard, of probably four soldiers.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">Judas kills himself !</span></h2>
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Judas Iscariot, the disciple who got Jesus arrested has killed himself.<br />
<br />
According to reliable sources, he hanged himself, after he had a spat with the temple authorities. It was soon after Jesus was sentenced.<br />
<br />
Allegedly, overcome with remorse, for betraying his teacher, he went back to the chief priests and the elders and tried to return the thirty pieces of silver he took from them.<br />
<br />
“I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood,” he told them.<br />
<br />
“But, what is that to us? That’s your responsibility,” they said to him, according to our sources.<br />
<br />
Judas then, it is learnt, had quickly thrown the money into the temple and left.<br />
<br />
His dead body was found yesterday.<br />
<br />
None of the other eleven disciples were available to comment on the death.<br />
<br />
Some sources indicate that they must have gone into hiding after their teacher’s crucifixion.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><br /></b>
<b>EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT 1</b></span><br />
<br />
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.<br />
<br />
There was a violent earthquake. An angel of the Lord, they say, came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. <br />
<br />
The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.<br />
<br />
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.<br />
<br />
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”<br />
<br />
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.<br />
<br />
Suddenly Jesus met them. “<i>Greetings,</i>” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, <i>"Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”</i><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>(We are receiving many other accounts, and we will publish them in the next edition)</b></span></i></div>
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-48059349941534009212023-04-02T20:18:00.004+03:002023-04-02T20:22:49.642+03:00Jesus Arrested! Sentenced to Crucifixion!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">High Drama from Midnight to Mid-Morning</span></h2>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
5 courts and 6 Trials between the arrest at 'Garden of Gethsemene' and the sentencing at 'Pilate's Court' !</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">A dramatic midnight arrest of Jesus, at the Garden of Gethsemane,</span>was quickly followed by a series of trials, which led to the sentencing of Jesus to crucifixion, in the morning.<br />
<br />
He is sentenced by the Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, who tried hard to reason with Jesus' accusers; even to the extent of clearly saying '<i>I find no fault in him (Jesus)</i>'.</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Release Barabbas. Crucify Jesus</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1HCQYam4dFttSofXyRm5N0sFenr2aifhyphenhyphennS876Pgbf25G083W6Y2pI0ED9lZPK7O3CVLzFqfoBTojhpQZnUN50Qm2mI25Y6eZ-gwMUhyphenhyphen5dVXR0NTPD9ZEk1Skby7H5MPWhz8uvjyJwc/s1600/BarabbasJesus.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1HCQYam4dFttSofXyRm5N0sFenr2aifhyphenhyphennS876Pgbf25G083W6Y2pI0ED9lZPK7O3CVLzFqfoBTojhpQZnUN50Qm2mI25Y6eZ-gwMUhyphenhyphen5dVXR0NTPD9ZEk1Skby7H5MPWhz8uvjyJwc/s1600/BarabbasJesus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point, Pilate said to the Jewish Chief Priests, who brought Jesus to him, that he is willing to release Jesus - keeping with the custom of releasing prisoners during the festivities.<br />
<br />
But the mob of angry men asked that the notorious bandit Barabbas be released, in place of Jesus.<br />
<br />
And when Pilate asked what he should do with Jesus, they all screamed "<b>Crucify him</b>"!<br />
<br />
Pilate then washed his hands in a basin, and said that he does not want the blood of innocent Jesus on his hands, even though he is sentencing Jesus to crucifixion.<br />
<br />
The crowd replied, "Let it be on our hands, and on our children's"!<br />
<br />
Evidently, the pressure from Jews who insist that Jesus blasphemed by implying he is God, was something Pilate was unable to argue against.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKBY-_yLqhBUBWpKxtI-FctpsZ1F-mp0ps0ursFHHb4inKIuEZ6eyQhrUbnNwufrKUnuaJdfJJuU3a6eA1Pp0L4_8uVSYt_v8hkJlK-3R3zkeCpTRot5AHVAf8XkZ1guqybGzJEqkmAc/s1600/Ecce-Homo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="640" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKBY-_yLqhBUBWpKxtI-FctpsZ1F-mp0ps0ursFHHb4inKIuEZ6eyQhrUbnNwufrKUnuaJdfJJuU3a6eA1Pp0L4_8uVSYt_v8hkJlK-3R3zkeCpTRot5AHVAf8XkZ1guqybGzJEqkmAc/s320/Ecce-Homo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I find no fault with him," said Governor Pilate <br />
but the angry mob shouted, "Crucify him!".<br />
When Pilate said he does not want the blood of<br />
an innocent man on his hands, <br />
the Jewsish leaders said, let it be on us and our children!<br />
<br />
Pilate then called for a basin of water <br />
and washed his hands in front of the crowds, <br />
before condemning Jesus to the Cross.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Arrest at the Garden</span></b><br />
<br />
It all started late on Thursday night, after the Passover meal at the Upper Room, Jesus had left for the Garden situated near the Mount of Olives to pray - as was his usual practice - with three of his disciples.<br />
<br />
It was learnt that the three disciples, Peter, James, and John had fallen asleep, even though he had asked them to stay awake and pray for him.<br />
<br />
Just when he returned from his private prayer, and when he was just gently reprimanding them - for the third time, for sleeping instead of praying - he was arrested.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Betrayed by a Kiss</span></b><br />
<br />
Judas Iscariot, his other disciple reached the place with some temple guards, priests and elders, and Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek which - this reporter found out later, from one of the eye-witnesses - was a signal for the guards to identify and arrest Jesus.<br />
<br />
Jesus Words then : <i>“Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal? Every day while I was with you in the temple complex, you never laid a hand on Me. But this is your hour—and the dominion of darkness.”</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5lzqAYZL6TCZHv1kkkMm7_YNbWOSQzb4Ftxyzn99z_wpThJ6TpjSavX5MyTVWOHYCgFkFX2Za_7y_ZRc0FpWU9LRJJT0o1_LGIr9LpagZAp4dnNDl_pJrIJrpbp8_xkvhTxCxhE52_s/s1600/6.+Garden.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Judas Kiss" border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5lzqAYZL6TCZHv1kkkMm7_YNbWOSQzb4Ftxyzn99z_wpThJ6TpjSavX5MyTVWOHYCgFkFX2Za_7y_ZRc0FpWU9LRJJT0o1_LGIr9LpagZAp4dnNDl_pJrIJrpbp8_xkvhTxCxhE52_s/w320-h238/6.+Garden.jpg" title="The Judas Kiss" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Judas Kiss <br /></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An Artist's Drawing</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Between the trials</span></b><br />
<br />
Jesus was first led to the high priests, and then after questioning, in the early morning, to another court by the Sanhedrin, where he was accused of blasphemy. He was then led to Pontius Pilate.<br />
<br />
Pontius Pilate, however, sent Jesus to King Herod, as he considered Jesus who was from Galilee to be under Herod's jurisdiction. [Herod was in Jerusalem, for the Passover].<br />
<br />
But Herod sent him back to Pilate.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">It is learnt that Pilate and Herod, who were not on good terms with each other for long, became friends during this trial.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Jesus in Six Trials. Five Courts. In one night, and early morning.</b><br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Before Annas</li>
<li>Before Caiaphas</li>
<li>Before the Sanhedrin</li>
<li>Before Pilate</li>
<li>Before Herod</li>
<li>Before Pilate Again</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">'Words that incriminated Jesus'</span></b><br />
--------------------------------<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>From Sanhedrin</b><br />
<br />
Elders: “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”<br />
<br />
Jesus: “If I do tell you, you will not believe. And if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.”<br />
<br />
Elders: “Are you, then, the Son of God?”<br />
<br />
Jesus: “You say that I am.”<br />
<br />
Elders: “Why do we need any more testimony, since we’ve heard it ourselves from His mouth?”<br />
<br />
--------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>From Pilates court.</b><br />
<br />
Pilate: “Your own nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”<br />
<br />
Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, my kingdom does not have its origin here.”<br />
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Pilate: “You are a king then?” Pilate asked.<br />
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Jesus: “You say that I’m a king, I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”<br />
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Inside Stories from an Incredible Night</span><br />---------------------<br />What happened in the Upper Room?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And in the Garden of Gethsemane?</b></div>
<br />
Our reporter who talked to one of the disciples said that Jesus, during <b>the last supper</b>, on Thursday night said, and did, some remarkable things.<br />
<br />
He shocked them by saying he will be betrayed. He shocked them by washing their feet. He shocked Peter saying Peter would actually deny Jesus <b>three times</b>, on the same night (before the rooster crows in the morning).<br />
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Interestingly, Jesus also broke bread and distributed wine and said to his disciples that it is symbolic of his body and blood. He told them to do this ceremony of sharing bread-and-wine in his remembrance.<br />
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<b>DON'T MISS!</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Special Issue Tomorrow: Crucifixion</span></b></div>
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-2523432434093542582023-04-02T20:18:00.003+03:002023-04-02T20:18:53.493+03:00Calm after the Storm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday Evening. Quick Burial before nightfall, ahead of Sabbath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A day after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, all through yesterday (Saturday), a strange lull and stillness was observed across the city, and the surrounding regions.<br />
<br />
As it was the weekly holy day of Sabbath, when Jews normally rest, the streets of Jerusalem were – as usual -mostly empty.<br />
<br />
However, small groups of people could be observed, at various parts of the city, discussing Friday's crucifixion of Rabbi Jesus.<br />
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“It was bloody, it was horrifying, and it was too brutal for a great teacher”, said an eye-witness.<br />
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“The teacher was given horrible lashes and beatings and was killed in the most humiliating way that is reserved only for lowly criminals”, said another.<br />
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"But why did they crucify him, according to Roman Law? Why did they not stone him to death according to Jewish law, for blasphemy - if blasphemy was the real reason - ?" asked another.<br />
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"The trial is completely illegitimate", said one legal expert. "How can they conduct a trial during Passover? And how can they decide overnight, the fate of the man who is arrested? The trials were not only unnecessarily fast, but also completely illegal"<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Jesus' Burial in Borrowed Tomb</span></b><br />
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One of the city's wealthy men, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus, before the evening.<br />
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With Pilate’s permission, he and another of the city's elders Nicodemus - who was the same Jewish teacher who met Jesus secretly one night - took Jesus' body down the cross, and buried him.<br />
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It is learnt that they had brought seventy-five pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes, and wrapped the dead body, with spices, in strips of linen, in accordance with Jewish burial customs.<br />
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This new tomb was in a garden, hewn out of a rock, close to the place where Jesus was crucified. They rolled a stone across the mouth of the tomb.<br />
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As it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus' body there, before the Sabbath began.<br />
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-78215962812325608002023-04-02T20:18:00.002+03:002023-04-02T20:18:38.130+03:00Jesus Crucified at Golgotha<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At about 3 pm, on Friday, the famous teacher Jesus died, on the cross. He was 33.<br />
<br />
Hung between two thieves, he was crucified, at a place called <i>Golgotha </i>(which means, 'place of the skull'), Mount Calvary, just outside the walls of the city of Jerusalem.<br />
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Nailed to the cross, by the Roman soldiers, he was alive with pain and exhaustion on it, for about six hours.<br />
<br />
He uttered <i>seven phrases</i> while on the cross (see below for the words).<br />
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Though exhausted from severe lashes on his back, and a crown of thorns on his head, he was made to carry his own cross on his shoulder, to the place of crucifixion.<br />
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The soldiers then drove nails into the hands and feet of his already bloodied body, on to the wooden cross, and then lifted the cross and dropped it into a hole in the ground.<br />
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Physical exhaustion from lack of sleep, walking between the trials, and severe beatings, and mental pain of mockery, must have hastened his death.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Strange Forgiveness</span></b><br />
<br />
From the time of his arrest late Thursday night to the Friday morning trials, flogging and sentencing - as we reported in yesterday's issue - it is possible that Jesus faced an enormous amount of pain and suffering.<br />
<br />
Yet, many people around the cross - Jews, Roman soldiers, and Jesus' followers - heard his first words: <i>"Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."</i><br />
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While hanging on the side, one of the two thieves who was also crucified, said to Jesus, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”<br />
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But the other thief rebuked the first thief and said: “Don’t you fear God? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” </div>
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<div>
The second thief then turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ”</div>
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Jesus answered him, “<i>Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise</i>.”</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Death Confirmed</span></b></div>
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As the Sabbath of the Jews starts with sunset on Friday night, and as they would not do any work on the day of rest (Saturday), all the people wanted the bodies to be taken off the cross before the sun set.</div>
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If the ones on the cross were still alive, it was the normal Roman custom, during crucifixions, to break the criminals' legs, to hasten death.</div>
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When a soldier went to break the legs of Jesus, he found him already dead.<br />
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A spear was thrust into Jesus' side and blood and water came out, but no response from the body.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Strange Phenomena Observed</span></b></div>
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At about noon, when Jesus was on the cross, strange darkness was observed over the whole land until three on Friday afternoon. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
On Jesus' death, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. </div><div><br /></div><div>The earth shook, the rocks split and some tombs broke open. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bodies of many holy people who had died were, allegedly, raised to life.. Some people in Jerusalem claimed they saw some dead people, alive. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">'King of the Jews' Signboard Controversy</span></b></div>
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<div>
One controversy during crucifixion was the sign-board that was nailed to the top of Jesus' cross.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybotA5vYSjBjTLKTpZu0eq99TWhUTaqNiEqqhgMirUKgYUgfKYn8PIyE5L01n527LIdwlJ2g0PJLhuHqwkFqNwYyeuWrLORiz2_5rVd66AvAL8oXCLW5stnSktnaR0AWPtCDkQTfr4M0/s1600/image.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybotA5vYSjBjTLKTpZu0eq99TWhUTaqNiEqqhgMirUKgYUgfKYn8PIyE5L01n527LIdwlJ2g0PJLhuHqwkFqNwYyeuWrLORiz2_5rVd66AvAL8oXCLW5stnSktnaR0AWPtCDkQTfr4M0/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Jesus, King of the Jews"<br />
Signboard, on the Cross, <br />
in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin,<br />
ordered by <br />
Roman Governor Pontius Pilate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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It said, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews', in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.</div>
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The soldiers nailed this signboard to Jesus' cross, on orders from the Roman Governor Pilate. But the chief priests of the Jews protested strongly.</div>
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They said to Pilate, that the signboard is not true.<br />
<br />
They asked Pilate to change the words, at least to "He claimed he was the King of the Jews".</div>
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<div>
But Pilate said to them, "<i>What I have written, I have written</i>".</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-57123909420873706852023-04-02T20:18:00.000+03:002023-04-02T20:18:11.664+03:00Plot Suspected<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, has approached the chief priests and the elders yesterday, according to reliable sources.<br />
<br />
What exactly transpired in the meeting is not clear, but speculations are rife on the possibility that Judas has defected from being a disciple to being a helper of Jewish leaders who are against his teacher.<br />
<br />
It is pertinent to mention here that he is also the Treasurer of Jesus and Co.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Room.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Last Supper Tonight?</b></span><br />
<br />
After these late night reports, some are suspecting that Judas could get Jesus arrested tonight (Thursday). Any promise of money, they say, is likely to encourage Judas to betray his master.<br />
<br />
Our investigative reporter has learnt from sources inside the Chief Priest's residence that Judas knows Jesus' regular praying and sleeping habits; and that he could have agreed to show the authorities <i>a secluded place</i> where they could easily arrest Jesus.<br />
<br />
So far, one of the main obstacles to the Jewish leaders' arresting Jesus, was the crowds which followed him everywhere. Jesus was always in the presence of huge crowds, and a move like arresting him could completely jeopardize the reputation of the Chief Priest and other elders. It could even cause a mass revolt.<br />
<br />
But the elders have been lobbying hard against Jesus, and converting many towards their viewpoint by suggesting that Jesus does not recognize Roman or Jewish authority and must therefore be punished for blasphemy.<br />
<br />
But an arrest, among the crowds, could mean a large public outcry. While it could thwart the rise of the popularity of Jesus, it could also become a nemesis for his detractors.<br />
<br />
Passover could be a right time to arrest Jesus. As individuals and families would be celebrating the Passover, they will not be free and available to cause an uprising against the authorities' decision.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Peter and John prepare the Upper Room</b></span><br />
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Jesus and his disciples are expected to meet for a supper tonight, to celebrate the Passover and the Festival of the Unleavened Bread. It is the day on which the Passover lamb is sacrificed.<br />
<br />
Jesus had told his disciples Peter and John, <i>"As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”</i><br />
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Peter and John have apparently made the needed arrangements. Bread and wine, along with other needed supper items are being arranged in the Upper Room ---- just like how it is being arranged in thousands of Jewish homes across the region.<br />
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After the festival celebrations today, there would be the silence of the Sabbath, as usual, on Saturday.<br />
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<i>Non-Jews might find it interesting to note that Sabbath actually begins with sunset on Friday Night, and ends with sunset on Saturday night.</i><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">MY TWO DENARII WORTH </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
<span>Column by Religious and Political Analyst</span><br />
<span> <b>Prof. Eliezer ben Ahimelech</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Hebrew Etymologist, Curator of the Israeli Archives </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Expert in Jewish History and Language,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">Holding the Baruch ben Neriah Chair at University of Jerusalem</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Four aspects I wish to touch upon today are about (1) the relationship between Pilate and Herod, (2) The problem called 'Rabbi Jesus' (3) Problem called Pilate and (4) the lack of strength of Jesus' disciples.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span>Governor Pilate - King Herod Differences</span></b><br /></span>
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Even though Judah and its capital Jerusalem is under King Herod, his position as a client-king gives the ruling Roman Empire tremendous legal power.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pontius-Pilate">Pontius Pilate</a>, who's been appointed by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tiberius">Caeser Tiberius</a> as the Roman Governor (or prefect) overseeing Judah, has been lenient on the Jews when the matters of crime are religious.<br />
<br />
He lets the Jewish Sanhedrin, the elders of the Temple of Jerusalem, conduct the trial and to even pronounce judgement.<br />
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It is noticed, however, that he takes a much harsher stance if, in some way, the law and order of the region is threatened, and if the situation can adversely affect his Roman government.<br />
<br />
King <a href="http://thejerusalemtimes.blogspot.com/p/the-family-tree-of-herods.html" target="_blank">Herod Antipas</a>, enjoys good favour with <a href="https://byustudies.byu.edu/charts/4-1-family-caesar" target="_blank">Caesar Tiberius</a> who is, of course, hundreds of miles away in Rome. But the animosity between Herod and Pilate is much stronger than the individuals' own individual, cordial relations with the Caesar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvstYSTD3a0dbYyEWnJXs35WEsI6CUjYxG-EqiD3vwpYB6yc-ahxYoYPxtUPl4IF8BMwlxpiSD_i_Yqi6GZQjRQVcjgPCf9q2KNc6QRbavxEYnF8bl2kKnfhVohESsn2ujmzRQMng_tY/s1600/tiberius.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvstYSTD3a0dbYyEWnJXs35WEsI6CUjYxG-EqiD3vwpYB6yc-ahxYoYPxtUPl4IF8BMwlxpiSD_i_Yqi6GZQjRQVcjgPCf9q2KNc6QRbavxEYnF8bl2kKnfhVohESsn2ujmzRQMng_tY/s1600/tiberius.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar Tiberius, <br />
Reigned 14 AD –37 AD<br />
Click <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tiberius" target="_blank">here</a> for more info</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Problem of Jesus </span></b><br />
<br />
One amazing fact that troubles the elders and the leaders of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem is this: How can this man, with a bunch of no-good people to follow him, attract thousands?<br />
<br />
His teachings and miracles are both unique by today's standards.<br />
<br />
In our society where we follow the <i>Torah</i>, not neglecting the law of 'an eye for an eye' and 'a tooth for a tooth', he talks about love and forgiveness! He says, '<i>bless those who curse you</i>' and '<i>pray for those who wrongly accuse you'</i>. <br />
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Everyone knows he talks about forgiveness, in this strict orthodox environment.<br />
<br />
He allows a prostitute to go free, from being stoned to death. He allows one prostitute to even touch his feet, and wash his feet with her hair and expensive perfume!<br />
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He goes to the house Zacheaus, a much-hated tax collector, and eats with him! And with other similar sinners.<br />
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He has been publicly saying to people, especially to some lepers, whom we Jewish leaders stay far away from, let alone go and touch, saying: ''<i>I am forgiving you. Repent, and sin no more"!</i><br />
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Who is Jesus, a mere man, to forgive our sins?<br />
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Why should we, as god-fearing Jews, allow Jesus to distort and mislead the crowds with these false teachings - of forgiveness? Opposing the law of God's punishment?<br />
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Agreed, that some of his teachings are good. But, he should not act like he is God himself! Forgiving people!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdwuLPqTgvAAbgKztf4LFe5_5kTHQiYOR7iUBDgoo-yiu1jVLIkmoBDDNQuuzGtDAo5ovxIDylpOMSdNXe-8mz12SfU31csu5VsaO2acvxKwWQTAsc9wPSQOQWrkylPGZh0CB0AeZrbE/s1600/woman_washes_jesus_feet_mann.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdwuLPqTgvAAbgKztf4LFe5_5kTHQiYOR7iUBDgoo-yiu1jVLIkmoBDDNQuuzGtDAo5ovxIDylpOMSdNXe-8mz12SfU31csu5VsaO2acvxKwWQTAsc9wPSQOQWrkylPGZh0CB0AeZrbE/s320/woman_washes_jesus_feet_mann.jpeg" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He allows his feet to be washed<br />
with expensive perfume<br />
and his feet touched by a sinful woman. <br />
In front of all people. <br />
Which Jewish Teacher would allow that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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His parables are very simple, with lessons for application. And it is possible that we, at the Synagogue, have made the Jewish law too complicated. And maybe we are judging people's actions harshly. Maybe.<br />
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But, look at his audacity!<br />
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How can we overlook the fact that he calls me and my colleagues, hypocrites and white washed graves?<br />
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How can we accept it when he goes about allowing himself to be called a <i>king</i>? How can we let him make himself into a <i>God</i>?<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Problem of Pilate</span></b><br />
<br />
How will Pontius Pilate, a Roman, understand our Jewish Religion and Heritage?<br />
<br />
He is a polytheist. A worshipper of idols. How will he know the trouble Jesus is causing to all of us?<br />
<br />
With many gods that Romans and Greeks believe, how can they understand the Jewish belief in the one and only god, <i>Yahweh</i>. And how angry we Jews are, that someone is making himself into a God?<br />
<br />
It is blasphemy.<br />
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As regards to Jesus' miracles, he is not someone special. Magicians and healers are not new to this region. From Egypt and from Greece, we have seen many such quacks. he could be just any one of them.<br />
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But what is definitely unique, which makes us angry, is the authority with which he is teaching what he is teaching.<br />
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But, dear readers, this authority might well be his own un-doing. His own end. A bitter end.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBTbprW7L6X7-AewW0_Y2_3ix_EP7TvDtT2yCjzBGPTmr7ASSHx8vDvl1nkOhyphenhyphenJU8tLjxorPGBw-tOQlNiHAGrt3mXfUQ5yVLAxICl6oI_T8RGqHcO_7lu4BLBjTzkLinww164k1CBE/s1600/Pontius+Pilate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBTbprW7L6X7-AewW0_Y2_3ix_EP7TvDtT2yCjzBGPTmr7ASSHx8vDvl1nkOhyphenhyphenJU8tLjxorPGBw-tOQlNiHAGrt3mXfUQ5yVLAxICl6oI_T8RGqHcO_7lu4BLBjTzkLinww164k1CBE/s1600/Pontius+Pilate.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pontius Pilate, <br />
Governor of Judean Region, <br />
within the Roman Empire<br />
Click <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pontius-Pilate" target="_blank">here </a>for more info</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Disciples, and their inadequacy</span></b><br />
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I strongly believe that his disciples would be of no use to protect Jesus, if he is arrested.<br />
<br />
I find it hard to believe why this great teacher had chosen disciples who are simple and probably gullible. They say he is training them well, but whatever training they are receiving is only moral teaching.<br />
<br />
How can some simple young ex-fishermen and former tax collectors protect him?<br />
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They have neither the legal knowledge nor the political connections to support him. They are sure to run away, if Jewish authorities arrest Jesus.<br />
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In fact, with each day, my fellow Jewish leaders are become more determined to put an end to this mass-manipulator, and to all his deviant teachings.<br />
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2177780176527231206.post-53811354364690395212023-04-02T20:17:00.000+03:002023-04-02T20:17:55.795+03:00Day of Debate, Discourse and Parables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tuesday was a day of debate and discourse.<br />
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Angry questions from temple-officials, and complicated questions from followers, were all answered by Jesus.<br />
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First, at the temple, and then on the Mount of Olives.<br />
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Among the topics were: the destruction of the temple, signs of end times, parables with meanings, marriages after Resurrection, and false prophets.<br />
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Interestingly, in yet another outburst, he called the teachers of law and Pharisees as '<i>hypocrites</i>' and '<i>white-washed tombs</i>.' He stressed that they looked good on the outside, but are rotting inside.<br />
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These words, straight on the faces of the temple elders have caused them considerable anger.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Authority Questioned</span></b><br />
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Earlier in the day, when questioned by chief priests and the elders, on what authority Jesus was preaching and doing these wondrous deeds, Jesus answered them with a question: "<i>John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?</i>”<br />
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Knowing well that if they say, from heaven, he might ask, why didn't they believe John then; and if they say, of human origin, the people around would get angry at the chief priests and elders, as people held John as a prophet, they cleverly said "We don't know."<br />
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His response also seemed clever. “<i>Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things</i>".<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Paying Imperial Tax to Caesar</b></span><br />
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"Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” This question was asked with the intention of trapping him into denying the Roman government's legitimate authority over Israelis.<br />
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He, however, asked them to show him a coin used for paying the tax.<br />
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He then asked whose picture and inscription was on it. When they replied it was Caesar’s, he said, "<i><b>Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.</b></i>" He stressed that they should give back to Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.<br />
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Evidently, he meant that paying taxes is important, for earthly rulers. But what must be given to God, must be given to God.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Quote of the Day</span><br />
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<i><b>"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing". - Rabbi Jesus</b></i><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">MY TWO DENARII WORTH </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Column by Religious and Political Analyst</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"> <b>Prof. Eliezer ben Ahimelech</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Hebrew Etymologist, Curator of the Israeli Archives </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Expert in Jewish History and Language,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Holding the Baruch ben Neriah Chair at University of Jerusalem</span></div>
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Two issues I wish to address in today's column are (1) Israeli-Roman relations in Judea today, and (2) the release of prisoners during the Passover festival this week.<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Israeli-Roman relations in Judea</span></b></i><br />
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It is a well-known fact now, that Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor appointed by Caesar, and the other man King Herod of Judah do not see eye-to-eye on many issues.<br />
<br />
But then, how would a client-king, a vassal ruler, under the expansive Roman Empire, acknowledge the superiority of those whom he considers despots?<br />
<br />
Tiberius Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, has given full authority to Pontius Pilate over the entire region, including the Kingdom of Judah.<br />
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Augustus Caesar's interest for expanding the Roman empire, further south beyond Egypt, and westwards even up to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caledonia" target="_blank">Caledonia</a>, has obviously influenced his successor Tiberius Caesar who is ensuring a strong administrative structure.<br />
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And one way to strengthen the structure is by appointing governors like Pontius Pilate in some regions. And another way could be by annexing territories by marriage or by alliance; like we have seen earlier how Julius Caesar did, with the Egyptian ruler Cleopatra.<br />
<br />
What is certain is the fact that the Roman empire is more stronger today than the Greek Empire was - under Philip, and under Philip's son Alexander the Great, of Macedonia - three centuries ago.<br />
<br />
And the key factor of success was the 'administration through Governors' across the Roman Empire, by tightly controlling the regimes of regional kings.<br />
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And any king in Herod's position would feel like a mute spectator in an international power game. <br />
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So, how can you grudge him for his dislike of Pilate?<br />
<br />
No wonder many Jews are hoping for a rebellion. But many more are actually hoping for the promised "Messiah." Over the years, several prophets (like Isaiah) have prophesied that a "Messiah" will arrive, to deliver people from this oppression.<br />
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There are some rumours suggesting that 'Jesus' could be the one. But with no army and no power, how can he be the one? Can anyone rule a kingdom with just a few good words and just a few miracles? I doubt it.<br />
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But strangely, Jesus is acknowledging it, when people call him a 'king'. And he is even showing 'God-like' authority in <i>his anger </i>at <i>injustice</i>, <i>hypocrisy</i>, and o<i>verly righteous behaviour</i>. He is known to have said once that "I and my father are one", almost equating himself with God.<br />
<br />
At one point, Jesus apparently said that Prophet Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus' glory. People, obviously, thought it was ridiculous. Abraham lived over 1500 years from now, and Jesus is barely in his early thirties. It not surprising therefore that Jesus was almost stoned to death, for blasphemy, when he'd said that.<br />
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Anyway, today, he seems to be setting, and demanding, a moral standard that many Jewish leaders would find extremely hard to match up to.<br />
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But can he bring about a revolution? A rebellion? Something that will overthrow the Roman occupiers?<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Release of prisoners during Passover Festival</span></i></b><br />
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Among the prisoners in Jerusalem's jail at the moment is the notorious bandit 'Barabbas'.<br />
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As is the normal tradition, the Roman Governor will pardon and release a few Jewish prisoners to appease them during the Passover festival. And I suspect Barabbas will be be among those expected to be released. <br />
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But many Jews themselves do not like Barabbas. But part-bandit and part-rebel he could be a potent force, if allowed. A leader of a possible rebellion. A force to reckon with.<br />
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It sure looks like there is a very eventful week , up ahead.<br />
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For Caesers who ruled over the Roman Empire <br />
before, during and after Jesus' life on earth, <br />
<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-Roman-emperors-2043294" target="_blank">click here</a></div>
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For Herods who ruled over </div>
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the Judean kingdom, then under Rome, </div>
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<a href="http://thejerusalemtimes.blogspot.com/p/the-family-tree-of-herods.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://thejerusalemtimes.blogspot.com/p/the-family-tree-of-herods.html" target="_blank">click here</a></div>
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Joel Indrupatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10433075758871321417noreply@blogger.com0