--Transformed By Christ's Death and Resurrection!

~~"Then they [the religious council] became insistent. "But he is causing riots by his teaching
wherever he goes--all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!" [Luke 23:5 / (NLT)]--

~~~WORDS MATTER. TO THE AUTHOR--AND to the readers. Finding the exact word is a writer's constant quest.

~~Jesus was brought before Pilate. The council--jealous, angry, and afraid of losing its standing--tried fiercely to persuade Pilate, insisting that Jesus was dangerous, that His ministry should be stopped. At the cost of His life, if necessary.

The Bible tells us they became so desperate they chose a word they knew Pilate would react to Riot. Jesus had---in their words--been "causing riots everywhere."

Is that what He'd been doing? He certainly drew crowds. Most in those crowds returned home healed, amazed, faith-filled, or wanting to hear more. He caused a lot of wonder and soul-searching. He pricked a lot of consciences But He rarely raised His voice.

It was the doubters, the stubborn, and the rabble-rousers who caused the riots. Those who refused to believe fueled fires of controversy.

Jesus, the Christ, whose resistance was against the enemies of God and soul-condemning sin. Jesus, the Healer, Shepherd-King, the One who welcomed children onto His lap and restored the slashed ear of one of His captors--hours before He was accused of causing riots.

I wonder how many of those desperate council members were transformed by Christ's death and resurrection. How many later longed to reword their complaints against Him, saying, "He caused a riot in my soul, and I'll never be the same"?

--GUIDEPOSTS/CR~~
--"Nobody Loves Me Like You"--Chris Tomlin //<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyp_oL4m5k4>
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