…The chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
St. Mark 15:11-15
Consider:
Just as a scapegoat symbolically bore the sins of the Israelites in the Old Testament ritual of atonement, We see in this narrative how Jesus became our scapegoat for our sins. The scapegoat “took on” the sins of the people (Barabbas) and was then driven over a precipice to die. Isaiah prophesied that “[Christ] was despised and rejected by men … He poured out His life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:3a, 12). Imagine the mental and emotional wounding Christ must have felt as he heard his people cry out for his crucifixion. These people who had witnessed his healing power and listened to his words of life now turned against him in mass hysteria.
St. Polycarp exhorted the Early Church to “leave untouched the idle prattle and the error of the masses.” Protest, at its extreme, sent Christ to the Cross. We may believe we aren’t capable of that kind of cruelty, but think again. Consider the pattern of human behavior when confronted by something or someone that messes with our system or disrupts our conveniences. The temptation is to engage in “idle prattle” (read complaining and murmuring) that can lead to dissent and protest, making someone or something a scapegoat for our complaints. Ah. That we understand, don’t we?
St. Polycarp went on to say in his letter to “make Christ’s commandments our rule of life and love what he loves.” Can you think of any circumstances that have messed with your system, and you are tempted to murmur and complain, even protest? Remember that Christ’s commandments are built on the humble acceptance that we are not in control. His rule of life includes harmony with others. His Word declares, How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
Pray:
Jesus, Your Word says you were led to your Crucifixion like a lamb to the slaughter–silently following Your Father’s will. Forgive me for the times I complain and murmur over stored grievances and petty inconveniences. Holy Spirit, confront me when I am party to the error of the masses. Holy Spirit of God, will you set my spirit aright to accept any suffering you allow willingly?
~Amen
The Maiden Warrior 