Site of Jesus’ trial found?

 Archaeologists make stunning find: Could this be the site of Jesus’s trial?

This is an amazing story on many levels, 

It was well presented in the article.

It should be good thing.

Unfortunately, one of those amazing levels can be found is in the “Leave your comment” section at the end of the article.

 

First, here’s a link to the story from MSN. 

Here’s an excerpt from that story –

The debate over the site of the trial continues among Christian spiritual leaders, historians and archaeologists. Questions about the location stem from various interpretations of the Gospels, which describe how Jesus of Nazareth was brought before Pilate in the “praetorium,” a Latin term for a general’s tent within a Roman encampment. Some say Pilate’s praetorium would have been in the military barracks, others say the Roman general would probably have been a guest in the palace built by Herod.

Today, historians and archaeologists are certain that Herod’s palace was on the city’s western side, where the Tower of David Museum and the Ottoman-era prison stand.

For Shimon Gibson, an archaeology professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, there is little doubt that the trial occurred somewhere within Herod’s palace compound. In the Gospel of John, the trial is described as taking place near a gate and on a bumpy stone pavement — details that fit with previous archaeological findings near the prison, he said.

We see that the discussion isn’t about whether the event took place of not, but over the details of what has been found.  It’s not an all too typical piece questioning whether any of the events took place.  Like I said – a good piece.

 

Unfortunately, the sad part of this story is the comments section.  That’s why I give the MSN link.  

I’m not surprised at the comments from non-believers, insulting those of us who are Christians.  

Mt 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

Jesus told us this would happen.  It shouldn’t be a surprise.

What I am disappointed in are the responses, because in the very next verse, He also told us this –

Mt 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

It really makes me wonder –

How many people who claim to be Christians really are?  I know we’re forgiven, but come on people.  

Do we really not know that calling unbelievers “stupid” is wrong?

Mt 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Do we think we’re supposed to be telling people – “you’re going to Hell, have fun!”?

Ro 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Ro 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Do we really think we’re projecting the light of Jesus when we tell people they are ignorant?

Jn 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Do we even think about acting like Paul when we read some of these comments?  

Ac 26:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
Ac 26:25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Ac 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Ac 26:29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Ac 26:30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 They left the room, and while talking with one another, they said, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
Ac 26:32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

I know the first reaction may be otherwise, but shouldn’t we curb our keyboards?

Jas 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

 

Finally – 

What ever happened to the Great Commission?

Mt 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

So many people turn away from God because of the “church”.  People – we are the church.  We are God’s representatives here on earth.  We are the reason they turn away.  We are the reason they don’t believe.  Because too many of us act like we don’t believe.

Sometimes, we don’t act like Christians.  I get it.  Sometimes I don’t either.  We’re forgiven, by God.  But look at the example we set for others.  And think about something else that Paul wrote:

1Co 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Maybe we need to start posting some loving responses when things like this get started?

Earlier, I wrote – How many people who claim to be Christians really are?

I do wonder.  And I worry about it.  I certainly don’t want to hear – 

Mt 25:12 “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

Do you?