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BASEL CHRONICLES | EDITORIAL  | APRIL 2021



       His protest against injustice was the
       death penalty imposed by politicians,

       who administered illegality. The crucix-
       ion death penalty included the death of a
       criminal, which involved excruciating

       torture of the criminal.  Although Jesus
       did not deserve such a death, it was an

       indication of how the unjust system
       could easily control the weak, by his cor-

       rupt practices.

       Jesus, who won the hearts of the people

       through his service, preaching, and heal-
       ing, was being caught like a thief by the

       Pharisees. He was sentenced to death on
       charges of blasphemy, without trial, and

       without proper witnessing, all through
       the night, contrary to law and tradition.

       Jesus was taken to Pilate, to stamp the
       ofcial seal for this execution.


       Pilate's question, "Are you the king of the
       Jews?" (Matt. 27:11) was not the proper

       reason for investigating Jesus and if we
       observe Jesus' lifestyle, Jesus never

       showed any signs that he wanted to
       become king. But Jesus' answer was,
       "You said it." That is why Jesus did not

       answer a word. Unaware of the mystery
       of Jesus' silence, Pilate rejected the voice

       of his conscience, and with selshness,
       he listened to Pharisees, Scribes, and

       members of Sanhedrin to preserve his
       power. “Whom do you want to give up?

       Barabbas? or Jesus the Christ? That
       question is confusing. The warning came
       from his wife, but he politely ignored and

       gave in to the pressure of the high priest
       and elders, and the pressure of the..
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