During His time in the Middle East, who were Jesus Christ's enemies and WHY?
2007-06-01 03:18:31 · 12 answers · asked by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't forget the WHY part please....
2007-06-01 03:37:55 · update #1
Satan, because Satan will be thrown into eternal damnation upon the Second Coming of Christ. If Satan could lure Jesus away from the prophesy, our salvation would be damned.
Lesser enemies were the religious zealots of the time like the Pharisees who hypocritically preached the law, telling others what to do but not heeding their own preaching; also adding to the law of Moses. They would no longer be the authority figures if Jesus was indeed Jesus. His presence was a threat, so they plotted to despose of him as soon as he began His preaching and miracles.
2007-06-01 12:47:34 · answer #1 · answered by gon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's true, the many (not all) of the Pharisees were quite against Jesus' teachings because of a power struggle. They were considered the undeclared leaders of the Jewish people at that time and a lot of what Christ taught went against some Pharisaic teachings. Also, there was some jealousy at the fact that people really liked Jesus and were willing to follow him.
Ultimately, though, the real tipping point was a fear of an overthrow. The people were waiting for a Messiah to free them from the Romans and the people certainly thought Christ was it. Even the Disciples thought that Jesus was eventually going to overthrow the Roman government. Whether or not the Pharisees believe Christ was the Messiah I couldn't tell you for certain, but they did see him as a political threat.
The Romans couldn't really have cared less. In fact, Pilot didn't really want to see Jesus to the cross. However, his political power had been weakened by radical Jews in his past and he was trying to avoid political death.
Hope that helps.
2007-06-01 03:57:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As most of the others have said, it was the reigious people: the Pharisees, scribes, priests and "teachers of the Law" (rabbis). Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free but he was caught in a difficult position and for the sake of peace (so the religious leaders wouldn't cause an insurrection against Rome for which Pilate would be blamed) he reluctantly handed Him over to them.
Why? At the start of my Christian life, and even before when I didn't really understand who Jesus was, I was almost obsessed with this question. I prayed for years until I had a clear picture. He showed me directly and unambiguously that it was two things: ignorance (of God) and jealousy (of His power and authority). Pretty obvious when you can see it.
They were pretenders (the meaning of the Greek word "hypocrites") and Jesus blew their game wide open.
Do you think it's any different today?
2007-06-01 04:01:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same enemies he still has today... organized religion.
The people who run large religious organizations have a vested interest in crushing all competition. Orginized religion is a business just like fast food restaurants. They all claim to have the 'best', or in some cases the 'only' way to salvation.
They mean well, but they cannot give you what they don't have,
namely ... eternal life. When Jesus Christ makes that offer, with no middle man, He is a threat to their power and position.
The very same spirit is alive and well in organized religion today. They will condemn you to an ever-burning hell if you don't get with their program. Jesus said come unto me... not your local religious group. They are OK to fellowship with, but be careful not to get sucker in that they are your only hope.
2007-06-01 03:53:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most of the Pharisees were his biggest critics, and they were the ones who ultimately arranged things to get rid of him once and for all.
Why?? Because he was rocking the boat. They had a great gig going, and he was telling the truth -- people's needs more important than keeping the Law -- the temple a den of thieves -- the blind leading the blind -- Jesus was not afraid of them. Of course, the part that freaked them out the most was when he claimed to have the power to forgive (which only God can do).
Pontius Pilate was not exactly his enemy, but he wasn't his friend either. He could have pardoned him, but chose not to in order to stay cozy with the Jewish priests (Pharisees).
Judas must also have been an enemy of Christ, even though he pretended to be one of his closest circle, because he betrayed him.
The truth is -- it was not just the Jews who nailed Jesus to the cross. All of us, anyone who has ever sinned, we are the ones. Because "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". His sacrifice was necessary because of us, but he laid down his life freely because of his great love for us.
2007-06-01 03:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by Mhaerie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well I wouldn't say they were his "enemies" but more like..... his opposition..... the Jewish priests. Matthew 23 is a particularly harsh passage. He was constantly debating them, and they were always looking for reasons to condemn him. The reason, he believed, was because they were ignoring God's true law. They were not children of Abraham, he said, but children of the devil.
2007-06-01 05:44:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religious people of the day were his enemys because he stood for truth hence exposing the filth in the religious people of that day.
2007-06-01 03:31:32 · answer #7 · answered by hognastyrich 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. His name was Yeshua. Jesus Christ comes from the Greek translation.
2016-04-01 09:13:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Satan was his only true enemy. I guess that if you are looking for people that didnt like him, you could include the pharases
2007-06-01 03:22:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad people
2007-06-02 17:04:30 · answer #10 · answered by Gotnothingtodo! 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋