“12. Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people. 24. Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.”
Robert M. Kachur wrote an article on “Why I’m not a Christian” in HIS magazine. He went to three different universities asking that question. The answers generally fell into three main categories.
First, “I am not a Christian because Christians are hypocrites. People do not practice what they preach. There are too many hypocrites in the church. One person said, “Christians are supposed to care for each other—too often I see people stab each other in the back the moment they walk out of church.” A sophomore identified as an atheist responded, “I used to be involved with my church, but as I got more and more involved, I found out what was goes on at church and what goes on at home are two different things.”
The second common reason for not being a Christian is that too many people who call themselves Christians are stuck-up. They are too judgmental toward others. They look down on others. They think they are better than the rest. A freshman said, “Many Christians seem to think that anyone who does not exactly agree with them is a heathen and not worth respecting.”
The third common reason many reject Christianity is what is perceived as intolerance. Instead of accepting people of all faiths, they are narrow-minded, thinking their belief is the only correct one. One man verbalized it this way, “It seems that a loving God would not exclude more than half of the world to hell just because they didn’t accept Jesus.” Or another, “You’ve got to be nuts to go through life believing that this is the only way to heaven. What about all the other good people?’
It's one thing to judge Jesus based on his teaching, but unfortunately many reject Him because of the way Christians act, especially some of the ministers, priests and religious teachers.
As we look at the trials of Christ, we will see there was no justice, but a farce and full of hypocrisy. It was designed by the religious leaders of that day who had already made up their minds. Yet the final authority rests with God who will judge all leaders more strictly. As the scenes play out, who is really on trial here? All will be standing before God someday who will make all things right.
We must keep our eyes on Christ and not human leaders.
Have you had leaders that have disappointed you? In what way? What would you say are the qualities of a good leader?
Application: God's Word tells us to pray for those in leadership. Have you had leaders that have disappointed you? In what way? What would you say are the qualities of a good leader? Pray for your church and government leaders today.
Prayer: Lord, help me keep my eyes on you and grace me with a Spirit of discernment as I respond to the leadership of those you have placed in my life. May I always look to Your Word for the truth in every circumstance. Guard my heart of being hypocritical in my faith and cultivate in me an attitude that is never critical.
**********************************
If you wish to get the fuller version of this daily devotion send a request via email to pastordale@outlook.com. For Pastor Cope's full bio, see the Staff page of this website.
