I did not mention the fact that twice the New Testament tells us the naked truth about the motive behind Jesus’ murder on Calvary.

In Matthew 27:18 the “hearts” of the chief priests and elders of Israel are made manifest: “For envy they had delivered Jesus.” They wanted Him dead, because He was interfering with their money-making schemes at the Temple! (Mark 15:10 repeats that fact.)

Ungodly!

The love of money!

The Pharisees and their company (the chief priests, both Annas and Caiaphas, Father and Son-in-law) were … “Plotting the Death of the One (Jesus, Son of God) Who had just conquered Death!” By raising Lazarus from the grave! (I love that quote.)

Israel’s wicked leaders (haters of Jesus) were unknowingly fulfilling Psalm 2:2 … “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (Messiah).”

Their wrath against Jesus will ultimately put Him on the Cross. But (again, unknowingly) they were aiding in God’s Plan to save lost sinners! Yes, Psalm 76:10 right before our eyes: “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.”

Wow!

One can truly say that wicked politicians killed Jesus, at least from a human point of view. We in America are probably just beginning to see history repeat itself … as persecution begins against us Christians. Political reprobation! It’s coming!

It looks to me like Caiaphas was preaching (ignorantly) an “unlimited Atonement!”

“The Lord is … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

One of my favorite commentators said: “When “trust in Jesus” has occurred, an event has reached its goal!” What higher aspiration is there? Than a sinner being saved, born again?

Balaam, a false Prophet, said some things he did not really mean. (He blessed Israel when he had been hired to curse Israel!) Likewise, Caiaphas meant harm to Jesus, but he actually glorified our dear Lord!

“Being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die FOR that nation; and not FOR that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” John 11:51-52, the English preposition “for” is spelled “huper” in Greek, meaning “in the place of,” or “instead of!”

HE DIED FOR ME!

HE DIED FOR YOU!

Hallelujah!

Watch the whole Class if you can …

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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