Kill not an Innocent

Today’s Gospel Text:  But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. 15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.19 He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will any one hear his voice in the streets; 20 he will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, till he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name will the Gentiles hope." Matt 12:14-21

Reflection: What reason were they seeking to destroy him? And if it was one man against Jesus, then it was understandable. But the Scripture tell us it is 'they' and that too taking counsel, pre-meditated act of the wise and learned, those in authority. 

But how could a few experts and men in position have a consultation among them and yet be unanimous against an innocent is incomprehensible?

May be they wanted Jesus to always consult them before doing anything; because they felt that Jesus could not do better without their knowledge.

They may have also felt that the common man were following him in large numbers and this may have made them insecure; the synagogue collections was going down and there must have been less attendance for their Sabbath services and some of these followers of Jesus may have even gone and  questioned them; "why don’t you’ll perform the same signs as Jesus and his disciples do.  If not, then you’ll better follow him." 

Who in authority can stand such humiliation, more so if they consider themselves as prudent? 

Enough fodder to make anyone insecure and hate someone. Add to it, they find it difficult to stand the wisdom of Jesus and what is more, they even come under his sharp rebuke for false, erroneous teachings and leading the flock astray, confronting Jesus makes them appear as fools. 

If anyone of them had a pet project or idea at work, then the presence of Jesus was a big threat against these human ambitions of theirs. To such it is as if their very survival is at stake.   

Further, to them; "what class did this man Jesus belong to?" He was neither a Pharisee nor a Sadducee, nor did he belong to a priestly class so as to talk religion, forget being a post-graduate, he has not even done a special course in theology and he has more fan-following then all of them.   

Who can endure the prickling jealously of ones heart, so as not to attack and vanquish an opponent like Jesus?

Finally, if you thought that it happens only with Jesus, then you are wrong, better check your heart and take control of it with his grace before you in consultation with the majority seek to destroy an innocent man in your midst.

Prayer:  Lord, how can I escape the snare of the devil and not be his instrument? You alone O lord are my savior and God and in your wisdom I take refuge.

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