Jerusalem 33 A.D. - A report published this week found that events leading to the recent execution of Jesus had been handled "in an exemplary fashion" by the religious authorities here. "It is clear everything that could be done was done, to avoid this unfortunate man's death," it concluded. It said opinion had been sought from other jurisdictions as to how the situation might have been handled by their religious authorities. "Everywhere it was the same. All praised the restraint shown by the religious leadership in Jerusalem and their unwavering insistence on due process being followed throughout these sad events," it said.
The report had been prepared by the High Priest's office "following concerns expressed at events leading to the preacher's execution," as it was put in a preamble. It continued that "the High Priest, Dr Caiphas, personally appointed three of his most senior officials to conduct the investigation which led to this report. He advised them to stop at nothing to get truthful answers to the queries raised since the crucifixion", it said.
At a press conference to launch the report a spokesman for Dr Caiphas said the High Priest "was most anxious to ensure no stone was unturned in establishing the truth of what had taken place and had instructed his officials accordingly."
The spokesman strongly disagreed with a reporter who suggested that the report may have been prepared because of anger at Governor Pilate's office over the execution. "Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, if it wasn't for Governor Pilate the crucifixion could not have taken place. You must remember the religious authorities in this city do not have powers to carry out executions. Only the Romans can do that. And it was they who crucified Jesus," he said.
Explaining the High Priest's absence from the press conference, he said Dr Caiphas was ill. He sent his apologies. It is known the High Priest suffers from a recurring stomach complaint which has prevented him attending other press conferences in the past. The report said the events leading to Jesus's death began with Judas Iscariot, treasurer of the Jesus campaign. "On that Wednesday evening, Mr Iscariot came to the High Priest's office accompanied by officers of the temple guard. He appeared agitated and said Jesus was planning a coup against the religious authorities.
"He was also disturbed by claims made by the preacher that he was `the Son of God'; that he was the Messiah foretold by the prophets. He questioned Jesus's sanity and advised that something must be done or there would be riots in the city by the weekend. He predicted chaos and many deaths. It was known Mr Iscariot was one of the most influential members of the Jesus campaign. Besides, it had already been reported to the High Priest's office that Jesus had been inciting the crowds against the religious leadership. He had described them as `blind guides', `hypocrites', `snakes', a `brood of vipers'.
"Just that week, he said members of the religious leadership liked to go around in flowing robes and to be greeted on the streets as the high and mighty. He said they had the most important seats in the synagogues and at banquets. `They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers,' he had said.
"It was agreed Jesus should be arrested in the interest of public order and safety," the report said. "Unfortunately, Mr Iscariot refused to lead our officers to where Jesus would be, unless he was paid. A sum of 30 pieces of silver was agreed. He led our soldiers to a garden, where Jesus was arrested.
"The preacher was brought before the High Priest, the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law. At a formal hearing witnesses repeated what Jesus had said. He denied nothing. It was felt then he should be handed over to the Romans so he could be dealt with in strict compliance with the law."
The High Priest's office regretted that the situation had arisen. "We were confronted with a circumstance that was potentially too serious to be ignored. Lives were at risk. Our sympathy goes to the deceased's family," it said.
