Contemplative Bible Reading

John 18:28 (New Living Translation)

28 Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn’t go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn’t be allowed to celebrate the Passover.

The Jewish leaders were having the Roman rulers execute Jesus knowing that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing. This was murder by committee.

Note, however, that those pushing Jesus’ death were carefully following the rules of hygiene. They didn’t want to go into the presence of Gentiles and defile themselves. That would just be plain wrong.

Murder while clean. How convenient. Follow the smallest health and hygiene regulations and ignore the big issues.

Lessons for today? Perhaps.