With reference to Luke chapter 23. V1-5. Explain how Jesus words and actions could have been interpreted as subverting our nation?

Authors Avatar
With reference to Luke chapter 23. V1-5. Explain how Jesus words and actions could have been interpreted as subverting our nation? There were three main charges made against Jesus at the trials. Firstly that Jesus was subverting the Jewish nation. The religious leaders thought of this in terms of preventing the nation from their own brand of Judaism. Either of his perverting the nation from the true doctrine of Moses and the prophets or by spreading among them new notions, and false principles of religion. However, this charge is not really central to Pilate, since he is not a Jew. This would be interpreted as subverting the nation as Jesus would appear to be rebelling against the current laws and religious ideas by introducing his own. Secondly, Jesus was accused of denying the Romans of their taxes. "He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar." This charge concerning the poll tax is patently false, as 20:25 has already shown. But the charge is clever, because Pilate's major political responsibility is the collection of taxes for Rome. The taxes go to Caesar, raising the issue of Pilate's personal loyalty or disloyalty. Failure to act against one who opposes Caesar would mean one is not a friend of
Join now!
Caesar either. Furthermore, the Jews would have also paid some tax to the temple, which mainly went to the Pharisees. If Jesus was accused of refusing to pay these then he would have been seen as a threat to even the Jewish community since everyone’s livelihood depended on the temple. It was not only of religious significance but also the heart of their economy. The third charge is that he "claims to be Christ, a king." Here the threat of an opposing ruler is made explicit. Thirdly Jesus was insulted for claiming the title “king” something only the Roman senate ...

This is a preview of the whole essay