The Ministry of Caiphas

[SDG]

As a casual observer, in these first two months, I have been thinking about some of the things I read, and the consistent theme of perceived self-anointed authority that seems to pervade the communication of some.

Of course, I speak not of our wonderful staff of admins and moderators.

However, of those who would present themselves as diligent keepers and vanguards of all that is true and holy.

I am repulsed by the attitude that seems to be driven to defend religiosity and tradition at any expense. I believe this is an insidious spirit that often gets a grip on people when they been hardened by a thirst for importance and relevancy, self-perceived authority, and business as usual attitude.

A certain religious man, by the name of Caiphas had such a ministry.
The name “Caiphas” means he that seeks with diligence; one that vomiteth.

The ministry of Caiphas is alive and well in the Church. Caiphas is a natural charismatic leader who prides himself in ministering to the Borg.

Caiphas cannot be questioned. Caiphas cannot be challenged. Any criticism is deemed satanic. Even ...if God manifest in the flesh preaches a message contrary to the way it’s always been.
All those that speak truth outside his inner circle are patronized and vilified.

Any unauthorized discussion subverts his political and religious monopoly – and is labeled heresy.

The arrogant yet myopic Caiphas leads the cry, "How can a man from Galilee, a son of a carpenter, speak with such authority?"

One only needs to look at the spirit that drives Caiphas by examining the bitterness of a King who has lost his favor with God, named Saul.

(1 Samuel 19:9)-And the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hand. (10)-And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

Caiphas is propelled by a desire to categorize his perceived threats by means of interrogation and inquisition, in order to marginalize the person in question. All with the intent of labeling them as a blasphemer and subsequently justifying putting such a person to death.

Examine how this ministry works { Matthew 26:57-26:67, John 18}

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Caiphas: Illustrious members of the Tribunal, we have gathered sufficient evidence about the crazy ideas and the worst actuations of this rebel. On the other hand, we can no longer delay, given the urgency of the situation. Allow me to personally finish with the interrogation…

Caiphas fixed his owl-like eyes on Jesus who remained standing at the center of the room…

Caiphas: Nazarene, you have many accusations against you… What can you say now?… Are you guilty?… Or do you plead innocent?… What’s the matter with you? Why are you mum about the charges?… There’s just one question I’d like to ask, distinguished members of the Tribunal. One of the witnesses spoke of the Messiah and this criminal allowed the people to call him such…. This is most interesting, isn’t it, gentlemen?… Say something, Nazarene: Are you the Messiah, the Liberator of our people?

But Jesus remained quiet, without lifting his eyes from the floor…

Caiphas: I, the high priest of Israel, am talking to you. I’m the voice of God on earth! Respond!… Who do you think you are? The Messiah?

Jesus slowly raised his head. With his dishevelled hair and face full of bruises, and swollen lips from blows inflicted on him, he managed to smile with sarcasm…

Jesus: Why do you ask me?… If I say yes, you won’t believe me. If I say no, you won’t release me. So…?

Caiaphas’ callous face was trembling with rage. His right hand touched the crown in front of which was engraved in golden letters, the holy name of God, and whose name only the high priest could utter… He spoke with the authority of his office…

Caiphas: I’m putting Yahweh as my witness.

As he mentioned the name of God, the whole body bowed their heads and closed their eyes…

Caiphas: I ask you, in the name of the Most Holy, to declare that you are the Messiah, the Son of David, the Son of God.

There was a profound silence. The elders, the priests, the teachers of the Law, the pharisees and the saducees, including the palace guards all had their gaze fixed on Jesus’ lips….

Jesus: You have said it. I am the Messiah. Yahweh is my witness too, and knows I’m not lying.

Caiphas, red with fury, grasped his throat, as if he were grasping for breath…

Caiphas: That’s blasphemy!

He shook his tunic from top to bottom… All the magistrates sprang from their seats as if they were pushed by a spring. There was a groan, echoing the words of the high priest…

All/The Borg: Blasphemy! Blasphemy!

And one after the other, they also shook their tunic, affirming the accusation of Caiphas…

Caiphas: What further do we need of witnesses? You have heard him, illustrious members of the Tribunal! What is your verdict for this man?

All/The Borg: Death for him! Death for him!

[Ron]

Daniel,
That sword goes both ways. While you mention about Caiphas, some remember Pauls exhortation to Timothy.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Ron

Daniel,
That sword goes both ways. While you mention about Caiphas, some remember Pauls exhortation to Timothy.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Don't you love the Word ???... Ron.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Don't you love the Word ???... Ron.

Yes, amen. I am not making accusation nor do I believe that you are, but I think that there are two sides to every issue, yours is one, mine is the other.

It helps (hopefully) to know how others are coming at an issue, and to dismiss
someone for not seeing it the same way is somehow wrong is missing the point.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Ron

Yes, amen. I am not making accusation nor do I believe that you are, but I think that there are two sides to every issue, yours is one, mine is the other.

It helps (hopefully) to know how others are coming at an issue, and to dismiss
someone for not seeing it the same way is somehow wrong is missing the point.

Me ???... making an accusation ???... NAH!!! ....

I simply posted this because I felt it was apropos ....

'in the spirit of the season'.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Me ???... making an accusation ???... NAH!!! ....

I simply posted this because I felt it was apropos ....

'in the spirit of the season'.

That is what I said, you aren't making an accusation!

[Nahum]

Oh bother!

There is no one here to debate.

shucks

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Oh bother!

There is no one here to debate.

shucks

Wait, lets see your Sanhedren credentials?

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Ron

Wait, lets see your Sanhedren credentials?

Well ... I know PP is a card carrying member ...

[MissBrattified]

I get it now.

You had to bump the other thread, so someone would realize that you are making a mockery of CS's sincere post with yours.

Come on, DA. I think you're better than that....aren't you?