Reasons Why They Couldn't Kill Jesus
“Father. If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me”


By Jon W. Quinn

 

It was just before the Passover and Jesus would soon be crucified. He was becoming more troubled in spirit about what He knew was going to soon occur there just outside the walls of Jerusalem. The apostles had objected saying "You won't die." But Jesus had insisted that He would be killed.

But wait, maybe the apostles are right. Think about what they had seen and heard. The chances of Jesus actually winding up dead by crucifixion are about zero. It would be nigh unto impossible for His enemies to kill Him! Way too many difficulties to overcome - especially when they're all combined.

The Multitudes
The leaders had already decided to kill Jesus. (John 11:47-53). Jesus' enemies are powerful and influential people. But are they up to the task? It seems as if "all men" are believing in Him! And, by the way, these believers in Jesus are Jews. “Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him.” (John 11:45). When the Bible talks of the Jews putting Jesus to death, it is referring to the political and religious leadership of the Jews, not to the common people.

In fact, the leaders are quite envious of Jesus' popularity and the attention he is getting. Perhaps a million people in and around Jerusalem for the Passover and what are they saying? They are saying Jesus is a great prophet and the Son of David! (John 12:12-19).
But what can Caiaphas and the leadership do? Murder Jesus? But the people consider Him as some kind of hero.

But Caiaphas is powerful - he has 800 temple guards at his disposal; and as the High Priest he has a lot of political clout with Pilate the Governor. But what will the people say? After all, Caiaphas is supposed to be a living model of righteousness and integrity. But that is not a problem for Caiaphas. He has never let integrity get in his way!

Reason number 1 why they couldn't kill Jesus - the multitudes

Jesus' Power
What would Caiaphas see as he looked out the window there on the east side of Jerusalem where the temple was located on that spring day? He would see the greenery of spring - except for that brown, dead tree there on the hillside road heading toward Bethany. Jesus had spoken to the fruitless tree anfd it had died instantly (Matthew 21:18-22).

The fruitless tree had well symbolized the righteous fruitlessness of Israel, and Jesus cursing the tree symbolized God's wrath toward Jerusalem and its leadership. But back to the point: the tree is dead because Jesus spoke to it. Now, how do you go about killing such a Man? How do you arrest Him? What do you use to bind Him? Blind men see; the dead are raised, The water of the sea becomes a walkway. If He does not want to be caught, you are not going to catch Him! Or hold Him! Or kill Him!

Reason number 2 why they couldn't kill Jesus - His power

Jesus' Prayer
Jesus prayed to His Father that if there be any other way to fulfill God's plan to save sinners than by Him dying on the cross, then let it be done. (Matthew 26:36-39). So, certainly, if there is a way for the cup of suffering to pass from Jesus, then the Father will certainly provide it for the Son in Whom He is well pleased! There will be no death of the Son of God if there is another way!

God knows everything. He will find another way if such exists anywhere in the universe! Is there another way in the earth? Under the earth? Above the earth in the heavens? Anyplace there is a place? This is no frivolous prayer! And Jesus prays it three times as if to say, "Will you please look one more time for another way?"

Reason number 3 why they couldn't kill Jesus - His prayer

Jesus Can Escape
Jesus knew where His betrayer Judas had gone. All Jesus needs to do is to not go to the place Judas knows He often goes to - the Garden of Gethsemane. If Jesus just avoids that place, Judas will not know where to lead the mob to find Him.

But Jesus goes, and even after the soldiers catch up with Him, there's much confusion (John 18:3-8). I don't think they liked this job. In fact, there are several times during Jesus' ministry that He slipped through the midst of His enemies and escaped. What is to stop Him from escaping again?

Reason number 4 why they couldn't kill Jesus - He can escape

Jesus Has Friends in High Places
Jesus has some friends willing to die for Him and with Him. Peter is willing to use his sword (John 18:10,11). In fact, none of the apostles had to go to Jerusalem and be with Jesus during this dangerous times, but they are all there. (John 11:16).

But these friends could be overwhelmed by the soldiers. It is the middle of the night so the common people do not know what is happening. But Jesus has even more powerful allies waiting for His command bidding them come These are mighty immortals with flaming swords of judgment and retribution - 12 legions of angels would be about 72,000 of them. (Matthew 26:51-53).

Reason number 5 why they couldn't kill Jesus - He has powerful friends in high places

Jesus is Innocent and the Judge Knows It
The governor; the Emperor's legal and political representative in the land says Jesus is innocent. Pilate finds and publicly declares Jesus as "not guilty" (Luke 23:4). And not just once! With the power of the Roman legions and the authority of the Emperor, Jesus is pronounced "not guilty!"

Reason number 6 why they couldn't kill Jesus - He is declared "not guilty" by the highest authority in the land

Jesus did not rally the multitudes to protect Him. He did not use His awesome power to save Himself. He accepted the Father's will and not His own will. He did not escape. He declined the use of swords, human and angelic. He made no defense before Pilate. And so, because of this, by His death, burial and resurrection, there is hope. He loves us. He died for a purpose. He died so that we might be saved from sin and live-forever.

From The Bradley Banner 3/13/2011
Published by the Bradley Church of Christ
1505 E. Broadway