After looking at how the Roman soldiers treated Jesus, I believe the second reason is rather plain to see… they treated Him the way they did because they were conditioned to act this way. I mean, they were men of battle. These men were used to bloodshed; you can say they were desensitized to suffering and agony. Just think of the Roman “Gladiators.” They found delight in violence and killing; the shedding of blood was entertainment. They were calloused to the pain of other human beings.
Now I know reading about this doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies. You must know that it’s a very hard thing for me to write about as well, but I know it must be said. Our culture has been conditioned as well; the media pictures us (Christians) as narrow-minded, bigoted, and intolerable people. I know at some point you have had to have seen this… I’m referring to reality shows plastered all over our TVs. The Christians portrayed in the media are usually very weird people. The fact is that crazy sells. Don’t you see, it’s a conditioning taking place and we can become captive of how the world views Christ. I’ll say it again, think for yourself.
“Do not be transformed to this world.” Romans 12: 2
Don’t allow your families, teachers, friends, coworkers, and employers condition you. Think for yourselves.
I see the third reason Jesus was treated so badly by the soldiers is prejudice. They hated the Jews. Their human nature took over, and as far as Jesus was concerned… they concluded that “they’re all like that.” Something to also think about is that they had a certain sense of loyalty to Caesar, so for someone to come along and call Himself a king………….Hmmm
Now here is the modern day parallel: There’s a hatred and prejudice of Christianity that keeps people away from seeing a clear picture of who Jesus Christ really is. Let me explain. People are turned off from Christianity because of the way they’ve been mistreated by someone professing to be a Christian; Maybe it was from a Christian business man/woman who cheated them or acted unethical. So just like the Roman soldiers who were anti-Jewish, they see “all of us” just like that. Maybe it was a Christian customer in a store or restaurant who was rude or impatient. Maybe it’s a Christian relative or friend who’s insensitive.
Friends, we aren’t perfect. But we have to remember that we represent Jesus Christ. I guess you can say we live in fish bowl. We may be the only Jesus someone will ever see. Let me end today’s post with this…
“Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” Romans 2: 21-24
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