The Jerusalem Times: Day of Debate, Discourse and Parables

Tuesday was a day of debate and discourse.

Angry questions from temple-officials, and complicated questions from followers, were all answered by Jesus.

First, at the temple, and then on the Mount of Olives.

Among the topics were: the destruction of the temple, signs of end times, parables with meanings, marriages after Resurrection, and false prophets.
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Interestingly, in yet another outburst, he called the teachers of law and Pharisees as 'hypocrites' and 'white-washed tombs.' He stressed that they looked good on the outside, but are rotting inside.
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These words, straight on the faces of the temple elders have caused them considerable anger.

Authority Questioned

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: "John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

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."

His response also seemed clever. “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things".

Paying Imperial Tax to Caesar

"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.

He, however, asked them to show him a coin used for paying the tax.

He then asked whose picture and inscription was on it. When they replied it was Caesar’s, he said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's." He stressed that they should give back to Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.

Evidently, he meant that paying taxes is important, for earthly rulers. But what must be given to God, must be given to God.

Quote of the Day

"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

MY TWO DENARII WORTH

Column by Religious and Political Analyst
Prof. Eliezer ben Ahimelech

Hebrew Etymologist, Curator of the Israeli Archives

Expert in Jewish History and Language,

Holding the Baruch ben Neriah Chair at University of Jerusalem

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.

Israeli-Roman relations in Judea

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.

But then, how would a client-king, a vassal ruler, under the expansive Roman Empire, acknowledge the superiority of those whom he considers despots?

Tiberius Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, has given full authority to Pontius Pilate over the entire region, including the Kingdom of Judah.

Augustus Caesar's interest for expanding the Roman empire, further south beyond Egypt, and westwards even up to Caledonia, has obviously influenced his successor Tiberius Caesar who is ensuring a strong administrative structure.

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.

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.

And the key factor of success was the 'administration through Governors' across the Roman Empire, by tightly controlling the regimes of regional kings.

And any king in Herod's position would feel like a mute spectator in an international power game.

So, how can you grudge him for his dislike of Pilate?

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.

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.

But strangely, Jesus is acknowledging it, when people call him a 'king'. And he is even showing 'God-like' authority in his anger at injustice, hypocrisy, and overly righteous behaviour. He is known to have said once that "I and my father are one", almost equating himself with God.

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.

Anyway, today, he seems to be setting, and demanding, a moral standard that many Jewish leaders would find extremely hard to match up to.

But can he bring about a revolution? A rebellion? Something that will overthrow the Roman occupiers?

Release of prisoners during Passover Festival

Among the prisoners in Jerusalem's jail at the moment is the notorious bandit 'Barabbas'.

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.

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.

It sure looks like there is a very eventful week , up ahead.

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