Being a policeman is not easy. It never has been. Being a public servant is underrated. There’s the initial training, the apprenticeship with an experienced officer, and finally being a sentinel on your own. There’s no need to mention the danger, the long hours, the meager pay or the fact that the public doesn’t like being policed. Their training covers everything from handling domestic disputes to lawbreakers to hardened criminals. The job is unpleasant enough without the indignity of a court system that often works against their best efforts. It shouldn’t be mentioned that the man driving or walking the beat has to walk carefully between politics and the community expectations.
When the Romans controlled the areas around the Mediterranean, soldiers performed many of the tasks of the modern day policeman. They carried weapons, and were often called upon to enforce this or that ordinance. A judge or magistrate would settle matters legally, but there was often a call for a physical presence to calm any uprising or disturbances. Soldiers away from home for extended periods of time might occasionally use excessive force to get the job done. When Jesus was arrested and taken to Pilate for questioning, it was soldiers that did the apprehending and the escorting.
The men guarding Jesus mocked and beat him. They blindfolded Jesus and demanded, Prophesy! Who hit you? (Luke 22) When they brought Jesus before Pilate, the crowd began to accuse him, they fired deadly hollow points directly at Jesus.
We have found this man subverting our nation.
He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar.
He claims to be Christ, a King.
He stirs up there people all over Judea by his teaching.
They claimed Jesus was inciting the people to rebellion.
Shot after shot rang out but failed to pierce the mantel of Truth.
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