541. The Trial of Jesus by Allen Watson- Summary

541.  The Trial of Jesus by Allen Watson- This book makes for fascinating reading.  Watson is a scholar of Classical Roman Law.  His perspective on the trial of Jesus deserves great respect.  Jesus according to the evidence Watson presents sought to unseat the Pharisees and Sadducees as religious and cultural leaders of the Jews.  He opposed the concept that form or procedure takes precedence over faith and intent.  This was very much contrary to Jewish system.  Consequently he sought confrontation with Jewish guardians of religious practice.  He possessed characteristics of charismatic leaders:  only way to salvation is via faith in him, he separated his followers from their families. i.e.- Luke 14.26 Whoever comes to me and does not hate their father, mother, wife, children brother and sister yes and even life itself cannot be my disciple.  Such a leader performs miracles, his/her message is couched in high rhetoric- in fact it almost verges on the incomprehensible, challenges established institutions etc.  Jesus provoked his own death.  He attacked the power base of Pharisees but  he needed to provoke Sadducees.  They had the power to condemn by stoning.  But due to a technicality the court of Sadducees could not punish but evidently felt he was guilty and handed him over to Romans on charges of sedition.  Thus Jesus’ remark while on the cross:  Oh God why have you forsaken me?