Killing a Messiah by Adam Winn

Author:Adam Winn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2020-01-29T16:00:00+00:00

ELEAZAR

A loud knock awoke Eleazar from a deep sleep the following morning. He had stayed up late waiting for Caiaphas to return from a meeting with Pilate, but he had grown weary and fallen asleep before his father had returned. The slave Philip had now come to his door to inform him that his father had called a meeting that would begin in half an hour.

Eleazar quickly dressed and took some breakfast. He then hurried across the house to his father’s private chambers, where he found both his father and Uncle Aaron. Uncle Simeon and cousin Ezra had yet to arrive.

As he entered, his father greeted him with kiss. Unable to control his eagerness, Eleazar said, “Father, tell me of your meeting with Pilate. Was it successful? I tried to stay awake until your return last night, but the late hour overcame me. Was he angry? Does he plan to arrest the prophet?”

“Patience, my son,” Caiaphas replied. “I will tell all when all have arrived.”

“Yes, of course.” Eleazar was mildly embarrassed at his impatience, but he did not have to wait long. Both Simeon and Ezra arrived in short order.

After they were seated, his father addressed them. “You are all aware of yesterday’s events related to the actions of the prophet Jesus. He entered the city like a conquering king and quickly gathered a crowd, to which he spewed his hatred for us priests. His words against us bother me little; he is not the first prophet or teacher to speak ignorantly about us. Inciting a crowd against our wealth is low-hanging fruit for him, but I do not believe the people would revolt against us or our sacred institution. Most respect it too much, and we have worked hard to establish that trust. But the intentions of this prophet and his popularity with the people are another matter. They are indeed quite troubling and greatly jeopardize the peace of our city. If he can incite the people’s anger over our wealth, he can no doubt incite their anger against Rome—and this possibility is truly dangerous. The people have no stomach for a civil war, but I fear their appetite for war with Rome has grown.

“As you know, last night I met with our governor, Pilate, to discuss these matters. Though not entirely pleasant, the meeting was ultimately profitable. We have formulated a plan for how we will handle this troublesome prophet. I warn you ahead of time that it might not seem favorable on first hearing, but in the end I believe you will come to see, as I have, that it is the best way forward.”

Caiaphas then relayed his meeting with Pilate in detail. He was right: the plan did not seem favorable to anyone in the room, nor did they like Pilate’s treatment of Caiaphas. Ezra and Simeon were indignant that Pilate could fault him for providing what at the time was clearly wise counsel. That the counsel turned out to be wrong hardly made it wrong at the time! They pointed out that it had been Pilate’s own choice to listen to the advice.

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