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Why was Jesus killed?

Published in Religious History 2 mins read

Jesus was killed primarily because he was perceived as a threat to the established religious and political order of the time. He was accused of blasphemy and sedition.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Religious Accusations: The Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Sanhedrin, accused Jesus of blasphemy. This was because he claimed to be the Son of God and, in their view, challenged their authority and interpretation of Jewish law.

  • Political Accusations: The Roman authorities, represented by Pontius Pilate, were concerned about Jesus' growing popularity and the potential for unrest. He was accused of claiming to be "King of the Jews," which was seen as a challenge to Roman rule and thus sedition. The Sanhedrin brought Jesus to Pilate on this charge, knowing it was the only way to have him executed, as they were under Roman rule and did not have the authority to carry out capital punishment themselves.

  • Threat to the Status Quo: Jesus' teachings and actions challenged the social and religious norms of the time. He associated with marginalized groups, criticized the hypocrisy of religious leaders, and performed miracles that drew large crowds. This threatened the power and influence of those in authority.

  • The Crucifixion: After being condemned by Pilate, Jesus was crucified – a common form of Roman execution for political criminals and rebels.

In essence, Jesus was killed due to a complex interplay of religious and political factors. He was seen as a threat by both the Jewish religious establishment and the Roman authorities, leading to his trial, condemnation, and execution.

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