Dateline Jerusalem

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5)

Dateline Jerusalem… The religious leaders of downtown Jerusalem executed one said to be the Messiah this past weekend. Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling country preacher, died on Friday at the hands of Roman authorities after having been arrested by leading members of the Sanhedrin. The Most High Priest and other officials feared a hostile takeover by this person.

Jesus bar Joseph had been welcomed into the city last Sunday by what appeared to be a spontaneous parade, hastily thrown together. However, public approval quickly faded when he caused a scene at the temple, throwing around some of the furniture. Other controversial events followed in succeeding days, such as public arguments, teaching of strange doctrines, possible hints of tax evasion, possible assault of a privately owned fig tree, wild assertions, even talk of being a direct descendent from the Holy Deity, possibly in the fashion of certain Greek philosophies.

On Thursday evening he and a group of supporters met in a family home, where it was reported he spoke of cannibalism -- the eating of flesh and drinking of blood. Then this band of possible revolutionaries assembled in an olive garden, armed themselves, and attacked a guard, forcibly removing his ear. Authorities report the matter was dealt with quickly and justly, or on Friday he was executed along with others. Sources say the matter has been laid to rest.

Stay abreast of the situation with possible special editions of the Jerusalem Times, since there have been numerous claims of appearances of the deceased radical since this past weekend.

[–Shared by Tom Pilgrim in the Fayetteville (GA) First United Methodist Church Newsletter, March 6, 2005]

May the risen Christ fill you with the joy and awe and wonderful mystery of that first Easter! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!