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The Easter Tradition
Human Condition - Traditions Series
Copyright © 2005 Dorian Scott Cole
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It was, thought the religious traditionalists, the perfect way to put an end to him. This brash man who dared intrude on this world with strange notions about religion, talking to women, eating with thieving tax collectors, associating with those despicable Samarians, and even standing up for prostitutes who should be stoned. He was an affront to religion - let the Romans crucify him.
It was, thought the religious powerful, those appointed by the Roman rulers to represent religion, the perfect way to put an end to him. This man who dared call God, "Father," and who let the people think that he was God. This man who challenged the Law, healing on the Sabbath, and who overturned the sales tables in the Temple - brushing aside traditions that worked for the people and profited the Temple. He threatened their leadership - let the Romans kill him.
It was, thought those religious military zealots, the perfect way to put an end to him. This promising man who caught the loyalty of the people with his talk about a Kingdom of God, yet had so disappointed them all by not taking up arms and leading a revolt against the Romans, and even talked about loving your enemies. The only plausible thing to do was get this pansy out of the way. They would exchange him for Barabbas and let the Romans deal with him.
It was, thought the Romans, the perfect way to put an end to him. This troublemaker who would be King, who stirred up the people and gained a following, but never overtly followed through on his threats - when would he strike - he had actually done nothing wrong. They could wash their hands of the entire mess - let the religion and the people condemn him, and then crucify him for them.
That should rid us of him forever, they thought. Let the religion condemn him to death. Let the people reject him. Let the soldiers beat him and mock him, and show the world that he is not a king - nothing but a common criminal. Kill him on a cross, for all to see and mock. And then put him in the ground to rot. Put a huge boulder on top of the entry so that he could not get out. Place soldiers around the tomb so that no one could rob his grave. No man escaped the grave. This man... this man who associated with despicable people, this man who dared defy the religious authorities, this man who spat on tradition, this man who failed to defeat the Romans, this troublemaker who stirred up the people and threatened politicians with noises about being King... put him away forever.
When those who loved him came to his tomb, they found he was not there. Where was he?
He is here, and there, and there. He appeared in the hearts of those he taught. He appeared in the hearts of those who had no hope. He appeared to those who could not believe. He appeared in the hearts of those who needed a new perspective on being religious, being led, and being leaders. He appears in the hearts of people everywhere, and he lives on and on and on, transforming people into better people and the world into a better world, a benevolent "King" offering freedom, hope, and a better tomorrow to all who will accept his ways.
- Scott
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