- The church has made it very clear in the last 50 years that the actions of any Jews in Jesus' death do not reflect on the whole Jewish people. (The Romans crucified him, but we have always let the Italians off the hook.)
- The idea of "Messiah" was connected to political and military kingship. This was what threatened the Roman authorities and led to Jesus' sentence.
- INRI abbreviated over some crucifixes stands for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum - Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. It is ironic, to us and in the mind of the writer of the Gospel, as we know of Jesus' true identity and role. It also reminds us that Jesus was convicted and sentenced as an insurrectionist.
- Pilate's reputation among the Romans was as a fierce and ruthless governor. In fact, he may have been seen to be too cruel and therefore ineffective in subduing a conquered people.
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