“Who Really Killed Messiah?”

  All the pre-release hype and publicity about the new Mel Gibson movie, The Passion, has brought to the surface, that most sensitive subject that has long been a stumbling block between Jews and Christians . . . Who really killed Jesus?  This delicate question never seems to disappear, but stays hidden just below the surface, waiting for someone or something to bring it back to the surface again causing more separation and accusations. I have not yet seen the film, but eagerly await it’s debut on Long Island in the coming weeks.

 Judging by all reports, this film is a masterpiece of reality that pierces the heart of most that see it, opens the door to the reality of the event of 2000 years ago, that changed the world, and opened wide the salvation gates to all who accept the free gift bought by one terrible sacrifice. It is said to be the finest evangelistic tool of our generation, that will lead to many bending the knee to Israel’s Messiah.

 One little aside before we continue!  In a national television interview that aired on Monday, Feb. 16th, Mel Gibson did a magnificent job explaining the salvation message, and gave good testimony to those who raise objection to his film. He did, however, uncover a serious error in his theology that is worthy of note, least it be considered as fact.

 When posed with the question, “do you believe that Jews, Moslems and others can not go to heaven because they are not Christians”, Gibson answered, “oh no, heaven is open to all, it’s just easier to get there if you are a Christian”!  Gibson seems to forget, or does not fully understand, that the very object of his production clearly stated that “no man cometh to the Father but by me”! 

 Of course Jews, and Gentiles of all descriptions can obtain salvation, but only by accepting the atoning work of Messiah on the tree, repenting of their sin, and becoming a follower of Christ.  While it may sound like a play on words, the term Christian means “follower of Christ” (Messiah).  Therefore, it is impossible to obtain entry into heaven without becoming a Christian, or follower of Christ.   In so doing, one also retains their identity as a Jew, Italian, Irish or whatever persuasion they embrace. A believing Jew is still a Jew; a believing Italian is still an Italian, etc.

 Mel Gibson is a Roman Catholic, as was I many years ago before my conversion, and the view expressed by Gibson is a view held and taught by his particular church. While I believe that both Gibson and his church are sincere, they are, without a doubt, sincerely wrong.

 Another interesting question was raised by Diane Sawyer, the interviewer, when she asked, “why was everyone mad at Jesus, and wanting to kill him”?  She mentioned that Jesus was a radical with radical ideas.  Gibson seemed unable to answer this imposing question, admitted the answer was not in his film, and did his best to hedge the question.  My guess is that he, like many others, do not fully know or understand the real answer!

 Sawyer had it wrong!  The teachings of Jesus were not new and radical.  The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees was over the teachings of the Mishna, versus the teachings of scripture. It was the Pharisees that departed from the true teaching of scripture.

 For those who may be unfamiliar with the Mishna, it is a part of a series of man-made laws , designed by the ancient Rabbi’s to erect a “fence” around the law to prevent the people from breaking it, thereby averting divine judgement upon Israel. The laws of the Mishna were considered “sacrosanct”, or of equal authority with the scriptures, and it was incumbent upon all Jews to accept and obey these man-made laws, as if they were the very Law of Moses itself.  The Mishna is part of the Talmud which is the foundation of most Jewish teaching and belief today.

 Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of the teachings of the Pharisees based upon the Mishna, and presented his messianic crendentials as required by Moses and the prophets of Israel.  Jesus met every requirement of scripture, but did not acknowledge and keep the “traditions of the fathers”! This caused a major divide between Israel’s religious leaders, and the self proclaimed Messiah. Ultimately, the Pharisees rejected his messianic credentials, and sort his death.

 Therefore, when we consider who caused the death of Jesus, it may seem natural to blame the Jews. After all, they did reject him as Messiah, judged him, brought Him before the Roman authorities, and sort his execution.  A case could also be made to blame the Romans! After all, the Jews did not have the power to put anyone to death.  Only Roman authorities could order that be done.  And, it was the Romans who actually physically did the deed!

  The answer to this haunting question is settled once and for all by none other than Messiah Jesus himself! Jesus settle the question when he said , “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” John 10:18 (also read John 10:15-17) No man, including the Jews and the Romans, and the ability to take the life of Jesus the Messiah, with out His approval and consent.    Actually, it was Jesus who caused His own death, willingly enduring untold suffering and ridicule, when the creator allowed himself to be subjected to these things at the hands of His creation, as payment in full for our sin, once and for all time.  What an act of love and mercy! We, who because of our sin, deserved to be on that cross, were spared our fate, and offered the free gift of eternal life, if only we would accept it.  That is the true meaning of “The Passion of Christ”!

 As Believers who have a heart for God’s Chosen People, we must use this film, and even the controversy about anti-semitism, to bring this point home to our Jewish and Gentile friends and relatives. The Jews did not kill Jesus! The Romans did not take His life!  He gave it willingly for all Jews and Gentiles, providing the final atonement, because of His love for us all. The story of the “Passion of Christ” (passion meaning suffering) underscores what the Bible teaches.  That man is inherently sinful and evil, and that includes all Jews and Gentiles alike, and is in great need of forgiveness and salvation that can only come from the sacrificial offering of a loving, pure and perfect God-Man.  Jesus the Messiah!

 In order to fully appreciate and understand the significance of the “Passion of Messiah”, as well as all teaching of scripture, one needs to view it from a Jewish perspective. After all, scripture was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by Jewish writers, to a Jewish audience, about the Jewish people and their promised Jewish Messiah. Trying to understand these things from a 21st century Gentile perspective alone, is like reading half a book and trying to follow the whole plot.  It’s like watching a movie trailer, and trying to explain all that took place.

 If you would like to learn more about the Jewish perspective of the Word of God, I would like to cordially invite you to Join us on the 2nd Thursday of each month, at Samantha’s Lil Bit of Heaven, in East Northport.  For more details please visit - www.LilBitOfHeaven.org or www.ShilohMinistries.org

Shalom in the Name of The Prince of Peace

Ron Cusano

Shiloh Ministries

info@ShilohjMinistries.org