Sunday Christians

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.” [Matthew 26.1-5]

The religious leaders of Jesus' days on earth sound like today's politicians!

The leading priests and elders were pre-meditating Jesus' murder, but they had some idea that there were enough people who embraced Him that it might incite a riot if they carried out their deed during Passover.

Why then would they consider it okay by the people to murder Jesus after Passover if the people truly thought Jesus was the Messiah?

All I can think of right now are Sunday Christians. Sunday Christians are those who are plenty religious on Sunday, but live nothing like Jesus the rest of the week! They will attend church, give a little money, dress up, stop cursing for the day, listen to religious music, and generally try to be good. But once Sunday is over, so is the religious facade. So it seemed to be with the people during Jesus' day - they were plenty religious during their holiday, but would even allow the murder of the very One the holiday was about after that holiday was over!

As evil as the religious leaders here in the passage noted above were, they had a pretty good feel for the shallow religious condition of the people as well. It really is sad.

Father, it is sad enough that the religious leaders were so wicked, but really unimpressive that the people were so religious and fickle. Help me - help us - to be devoted to You every day - not just on select days and times!