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.
It is pertinent to mention here that he is also the Treasurer of Jesus and Co.
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| Upper Room. |
Last Supper Tonight?
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.
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 a secluded place where they could easily arrest Jesus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Peter and John prepare the Upper Room
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.
Jesus had told his disciples Peter and John, "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.”
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.
After the festival celebrations today, there would be the silence of the Sabbath, as usual, on Saturday.
Non-Jews might find it interesting to note that Sabbath actually begins with sunset on Friday Night, and ends with sunset on Saturday night.
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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
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.
Governor Pilate - King Herod Differences
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.
Pontius Pilate, who's been appointed by Caeser Tiberius as the Roman Governor (or prefect) overseeing Judah, has been lenient on the Jews when the matters of crime are religious.
He lets the Jewish Sanhedrin, the elders of the Temple of Jerusalem, conduct the trial and to even pronounce judgement.
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.
King Herod Antipas, enjoys good favour with Caesar Tiberius 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.
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| Caesar Tiberius, Reigned 14 AD –37 AD Click here for more info |
Problem of Jesus
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?
His teachings and miracles are both unique by today's standards.
In our society where we follow the Torah, not neglecting the law of 'an eye for an eye' and 'a tooth for a tooth', he talks about love and forgiveness! He says, 'bless those who curse you' and 'pray for those who wrongly accuse you'.
Everyone knows he talks about forgiveness, in this strict orthodox environment.
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!
He goes to the house Zacheaus, a much-hated tax collector, and eats with him! And with other similar sinners.
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 am forgiving you. Repent, and sin no more"!
Who is Jesus, a mere man, to forgive our sins?
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?
Agreed, that some of his teachings are good. But, he should not act like he is God himself! Forgiving people!
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| He allows his feet to be washed with expensive perfume and his feet touched by a sinful woman. In front of all people. Which Jewish Teacher would allow that? |
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.
But, look at his audacity!
How can we overlook the fact that he calls me and my colleagues, hypocrites and white washed graves?
How can we accept it when he goes about allowing himself to be called a king? How can we let him make himself into a God?
Problem of Pilate
How will Pontius Pilate, a Roman, understand our Jewish Religion and Heritage?
He is a polytheist. A worshipper of idols. How will he know the trouble Jesus is causing to all of us?
With many gods that Romans and Greeks believe, how can they understand the Jewish belief in the one and only god, Yahweh. And how angry we Jews are, that someone is making himself into a God?
It is blasphemy.
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.
But what is definitely unique, which makes us angry, is the authority with which he is teaching what he is teaching.
But, dear readers, this authority might well be his own un-doing. His own end. A bitter end.
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| Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judean Region, within the Roman Empire Click here for more info |
Disciples, and their inadequacy
I strongly believe that his disciples would be of no use to protect Jesus, if he is arrested.
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.
How can some simple young ex-fishermen and former tax collectors protect him?
They have neither the legal knowledge nor the political connections to support him. They are sure to run away, if Jewish authorities arrest Jesus.
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.
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