At Caiphas' Explanation

What an unusual question that you ask---
you think that Magdalene girl was his wife?
Preposterous:  we researched his whole life,
and we were very thorough in the task.
Yes, we had feared the possibility
that he might found a lasting dynasty,
and change the very course of History.
Judas our friend was able to provide
detailed intelligence---reports he filed
up to the night before his suicide.
The facts he brought disproved both wife and child
(born or unborn) in our consideration
Therefore, by process of elimination,
the one we wanted dead was crucified.

 

Starward

 

[jlc]

Author's Notes/Comments: 

This poem arose out of a lunch discussion I had with two of my former History professors regarding the recent publications of Margaret Starbird, and others, asserting---without a shred of documentation---that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, and produced a daughter by the name of Sarah.  When the professors asked me, unexpectedly, what I thought about the Starbird theory, and others, I blurted out, without really considering my answer, that the Temple authorites (led by Caiphas, the high priest) would have been very thorough in their elimination of the "problem" of Jesus.  Given that their culture, history, and politics tended to think in terms of dynastic succession, they must have logically considered the possibility, however remote, that Jesus (whose Christologic claims they sobordinated, as John's Gospel shows, beneath the political aspects of His claims) might have fathered a child.  In hindsight, this is absurd, because it was not part of His mission.  But, to the Temple authorities, it may have been a very real contingency that must have been researched.  (One remembers that they also wanted to crucify Lazarus, with Christ, simply because he had been raised from the dead; see John's Gospel.  If Lazarus was such a threat, the possibility of a wife and child would have represented even more of a threat.)  Jesus was condemned alone; no other disciple, follower, or family member was included in the charge brought before the High Priest, or Herod, or Pontius Pilate.  In my opinion, the thoroughness of the plot would have uncovered a wife or child, if such persons existed; and yet, neither was produced---in any of the three trials, or in subsequent developments.  Had Jesus had a wife and child, the Temple authorities would have produced them, and had them stoned if not crucified.  In my opinion, the priests' inability to include a wife and child in the plot defeats and invalidates the theories of Margaret Starbird and others.

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palewingedpoetess's picture

I could not agree with you more. I read recently and I bet you have too a book by Lee Strobal called "A Case For Christ" it helped me so much. My favorite section was when he asked a pathologist about John's description of Jesus' crucifixion that was amazing cause in all my simpleness trying so hard to understand the Bible it hit me ( not that I ever doubted Jesus Died for us) but it hit me if anyone did that description and explanation by that pathologist why water came out of Jesus 's side first rather than blood like anyone of such ignorance of the human body would think, we get pierced we bleed blood not water, for such a person that had to mean something significant. Because how else would he know to write that if it never happened as he said? I will read many more of your poems as I've a feeling through your similar use of my poet friend Afzal's name that God lead me to you so I could learn as I had been seeking someone far more understanding and educated in the Christian faith who maybe through their explanations could help me to better understand things. I will comment further on other poems of yours I read. thanks so much for being on here and sharing. Glad you liked that poem I lead you to. you will have to tell me sometime if your fellow was a coincidence or if you really were talking about my friend ok? sincerely Melissa Lundeen

palewingedpoetess's picture

Bravo! You put into words my own thoughts on this matter but in a far more clear and informed way. I bookmarked this poem of yours to share with friends when such discussions arise about Dan Brown's book and the possibilities of all that. I love reading poems written about God and Christ. thank you again for sharing. just know your words made a fellow soul smile deeply within. Most Sincerely Melissa Lundeen.

yellowspecks's picture

Very good points you make and a very interesting study you have brought my mind to. I enjoyed it very much. Rae

blumentopf's picture

Oh my friend.
I was fortunate to come across your only work that had not been commented on.
You are a wonderful exception from the lot of most any poster here at Postpoems.
Picked out by Divine Providence - surely for a reason.

As the the cohnections or possible conjections in Caiaphases' house, and all the brou ha ha about the da Vinci Code, that does not bother me a bit.
Jesus is a living presence,
no need do come up with write ups a la da Vinci Code, etc.etc.
AGAIN, I CONGRATULATE MYSELF TO HAVE THE SOLE,THE ONLY ONE
WORK OF STARSAVE THAT ESCAPED THE EYES OF EAGER VIEWERS.
pRAISE THE LORD, -
I MADE IT.
BLESSINGS
ELIZABETH


Elizabeth Dandy