A Friday in History

Roman Governer of Palestine is rather uncomfortable on 3rd April AD 33. 

He was ambitious however never wanted to become the governer of the restive Jewish region. He would have been more comfortable in Spain or Gaul or Alexandria. However, this is what he got!

The previous day night, the top most authorities of Jews presented a person accusing him of violating their religious laws. He asked them to punish the man as per their laws. But the leaders of the Jews refused to do that. Pilate was afraid as he had got a strange feeling standing with the accused. He was sure this was no ordinary man- all the answers were authortative, as he told him "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above"

But Jewish high priests began to put forth baseless charges such as " subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and making himself a king" etc. Pilate tells the assembly that there is no basis for sentencing. He tried to avoid responsibility by sending him to the ruler of Galilee, King Herod, but Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate. Crowd demand, "Crucify him". Pilate terperdity increased when he heard that "Jesus claimed to be God's son." This possibility filled Pilate with fear, and he brought Jesus back inside the palace and demanded to know from where he came. 

Pilate finally declared Jesus innocent and washed his own hands in water to show he has no part in this condemnation. But, he hands Jesus over to be crucified to avoid a riot and to keep his job.

Jesus played a role in Roman history. For Christains, He is the God & Saviour. Muslims consider him as one of the prophets, although the teachings are not accepted. Hindu's Rig Veda has verses that predicts the Crucification much more vividly than the predictions by Jewish Prophet Isaiah. Some of the holy men of Hinduism such as Paramahansa, Vivekanda considered Jesus as God and worshipped him. In many Hindu homes of India (mainly South India), pictures of Jesus form part of their prayer rooms

Jesus is among the greatest motivators in the world. Many have found inspiration and consolation in him. He was able to cure the sick and even bring back the dead into life. He himself has done it in his own life by resurrecting on the third day. Many healings take place even today in Jesus's name.

Many motivational speakers of 20th and 21st century have found teachings of Jesus as the founding stone for their own ideas. Norman Vicent Peale's books draws a lot from teachings of Jesus. When I was about 18, I read the book by Peale ' Amazing Results of Positive Thinking' and it was a game changer!. It helped me to regain my thoughts in a positive manner whenever problems crossed in my life. The beauty of Christ's teaching is that it provides peace and love on this part of the life and offers heaven afterwards, unlike some other philosophies that offer violence & hatred on this part of the life and heaven (!) afterwards.

Antony Robbins also draws upon and explains Jesus teachings. Check out the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Af4QLc2vhs