WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR JESUS’ DEATH?
Key Events of the Story
The Garden of Gethsemane
The Garden of Gethsemane is where the story starts. Jesus was
betrayed when Judas, one of his trusted twelve students,
betrays him with a kiss—a signal to the soldiers to arrest him.
This act of treachery is the catalyst for the chain of events that
will lead to Jesus’ crucifixion. Judas’ betrayal is seen by many as
an act of disloyalty and greed, while others argue it was an
unavoidable step in a divine plan.
The Trials of Jesus
Following his arrest, Jesus is subjected to a series of
interrogations, first by the Jewish council led by Caiaphas, then
by Pilate, the Roman governor. The charges against him differ
depending on who is accusing him. To the Jewish authorities, he
is guilty of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. To the
Romans, he is a dangerous revolutionary, challenging Caesar’s
authority by declaring himself a king. Caiaphas, looking to
protect religious and political stability, presses relentlessly for
Jesus’ execution. Pilate, reluctant and unsure, ultimately caves
under the pressure of the crowd, condemning Jesus to death to
avoid unrest—a decision that continues to spark debates about
justice and responsibility.
Judas’ Suicide
Feeling guilty, Judas tries to undo his betrayal by taking his own
life. His tragic end complicates his role in the story.
The Cases Against the Suspects
1. Judas:
Judas’ betrayal is the most direct link to Jesus’ arrest. His
decision to trade loyalty for thirty pieces of silver paints
him as a symbol of greed and treachery. Yet, his remorse
and later suicide add layers of complexity. Was he merely
fulfilling a predestined role in God’s plan, as Jesus himself
suggested? Judas’ story straddles the line between free
will and divine orchestration, leaving his culpability open
to interpretation.
2. Caiaphas (High Priest):
Caiaphas appears as a calculated figure, determined to
preserve the status quo. Fearing Jesus’ growing influence
and claims of divinity, he leads the charge to accuse Jesus
of blasphemy.
3. Pilate (Roman Governor):
Pilate’s involvement is marked by hesitation and
pragmatism. Though he appears unconvinced of Jesus’
guilt, his desire to keep order in his region outweighs his
sense of justice. Pilate’s failure to stand firm against the
demands for execution makes him a key figure in Jesus’
death.
4. Jesus:
Central to the narrative is Jesus himself. His teachings and
actions directly challenged the religious and political
establishments of his time, setting the stage for his
eventual condemnation. Yet, Christians views his death
not as a bad thing but as a fulfilment of his mission to
redeem humanity.
5. God:
God’s role is paramount in the story. Jesus’ death is seen
as the cornerstone of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation
—a sacrifice meant to reconcile the world with its creator.
If this event was preordained, can any human truly be
held responsible? This divine framing shifts the narrative,
portraying the crucifixion not as a senseless tragedy but
as a necessary act of redemption.
Evaluating the Evidence
The Gospels (Bible Stories):
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John serve as the
primary sources for the events surrounding Jesus’ death. While
they broadly agree on key moments like Judas’ betrayal and
the trials, differences in detail and emphasis highlight the
influence of faith on their accounts. These texts, though
invaluable, are not neutral historical records, and their
reliability is often debated.
Motivation to Lie:
Different groups had reasons to shape the narrative. Early
Christians needed to establish Jesus as the divine Son of God,
while religious authorities sought to downplay his significance.
Political and personal agendas mixed with facts, making
everyone doubt the reliability of each one.
Conclusion: Who is Most to Blame for Jesus’ Death?
Assigning blame for Jesus’ death is a difficult task. Judas,
Caiaphas, and Pilate each played crucial roles, while Jesus
himself seemed to accept his fate willingly. Yet, Christian faith
views this moment as part of God’s divine plan for redemption.
If this perspective is true, then no human can bear
responsibility. Instead, the event is due to God’s. Because of
this I believe god is responsible for the death of Jesus.
