Imagine that a very kind father has a beloved son—his firstborn. Now, some criminals in a far away land have committed an offence deserving of death. This good man purposely sends his son to die for these criminals so that they would be saved. When his beloved son arrives, one of his friends takes money from some of these condemned criminals who had trumped up charges against son. They take son to their king, who instead of freeing him, hand him over to hangman to be executed.

Now, who really caused death of this son? Is father not guilty of first-degree murder or at lest manslaughter? Can son not be charged for second-degree suicide? Is son's friend who betrayed him to blame. What about criminals who framed up charges against son? Or is king who played safe to be held accountable? Or do we blame executioner who finished dastardly act?

The kind man in this illustration is God, son is Jesus Christ, while his friend who betrayed him is Judas Ischariot. The criminals who framed up charges against him are Jewish leaders, cowardly king is Pontius Pilate and executioner represents Roman soldiers.

Passion stories of Christ, greatest man, who ever lived, have always generated interest. But Mel Gibson's recent movie, "The Passion of Christ," has ignited a controversy. Not only because of all brutality but because it has resurrected old question: Who really killed Jesus?

First, could it be that God killed him? Adam and Eve had sinned by eating of tree of knowledge of good and bad in Garden of Eden. Their sin constituted a rebellion against God and condemned their offspring to death. But God in his infinite mercy sent an equivalent of Adam, Jesus Christ, to redeem world of mankind from death. So is God guilty of murder, manslaughter or conspiracy?

Next is Jesus Christ. He himself had admitted that he came to give his soul as a ransom for many. So he knew that he was sent to die, yet he accepted assignment. He even personally chose Judas Ischariot and dismissed him to go and get his job done just before he instituted commemoration of Last Supper. So is Jesus to blame?

But what about this apostle, Judas Ischariot, who betrayed his master to wicked Jewish leaders for thirty pieces of silver? Ought he to have done so? If he had to sell his master for us to be free, then did he do wrong?

Next are Jewish religious leaders? They framed up charges, which included serious charge of lese-majesty against Jesus. Could Jesus have died if they had not cooked up these charges? If these charges led to his death, are Jews therefore culpable for his death?

And then comes Pontius Pilate who instead of freeing Jesus pardoned a criminal. Why did he give in to demand of Jews to impale Jesus? Could it be that he is not to blame as washing of his hands suggests?

Finally, merciless Roman soldiers who inflicted unimaginable wound on Jesus before nailing him on torture stake. Was treatment given to Jesus deserving? Or is everyone to be forgiven because they did not know what they were doing according to Jesus? Or are we to further probe question: Who really killed Jesus?

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort feebleminded, support weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.