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People can do the silliest things when under the influence

Ever been to a circus? There are many acts to entertain us in the circus. They range from animals doing tricks in line with the instructions given by their trainers, acrobats who do acts on a trapeze high in the air, to clown acts that are inserted throughout the show to add some humor to the total program. If you were to read John Chapter 18 at face value, with all due respect, you would think that you are dealing with a bunch of clowns.

Jesus was being apprehended in a secluded spot that only His disciples knew about. Judas was paid good money to point it out to the officials from the Jewish temple. They could have easily done this on temple grounds and saved some money. They asked Jesus questions that amounted to nothing. They took Him to the governor Pilate who must have thought how silly the Jews were. Jesus responded to Pilate's questions coherently with some "out of this world" responses about Him operating under the rules of engagement of a different kingdom.  But two great questions popped up here.

John 18:38-39
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

Pilate asked cynical and almost rhetorical questions. He knew there was nothing wrong enough for the Empire to execute this man, Jesus Christ.  The truth is that the evil one, the Devil, had influenced the people to kill the Messiah. Yes, we may seem to be dealing with clowns but people can act irrationally because of demonic activity.  We see this in current times as well.  People acting without good conscience.  No care for a fellow human being.  Allowing for terrible things to happen, or engaging in them.

John 18:40
Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Father, let me see each one as a human being that needs God, no matter what they say or do. Let the truth be spoken boldly for all to hear, and through the power of the Holy Spirit overcome the works of the evil one in each life.

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