Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends when the two insecure leaders of people in different districts didn’t know what to do about Jesus. Both Herod and Pilate knew that Jesus was an innocent man, but the Jesus haters wanted him put to death. The haters cried out with loud voices.

Although the entire council took Jesus to stand before Pilate, one man, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish high council, had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other members. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph appears before Pilate to request the body. We learn of Joseph after Jesus has been put to death to satisfy the bloodthirsty loudmouths (Luke 23).

I can only imagine how many innocent people have suffered or been imprisoned by insecure leaders who sought to satisfy loudmouths. Is it better to be silent and act independently like Joseph did, or to protest against the plans and actions of the belligerent majority?  Protesters risk being permanently silenced, or excluded from discussions when people know they have opposing views?

It’s quite helpful when some silent folks with the inside scoop are able to warn others of pending danger. I realized that truth when a former student shared how a few of them escaped the Jonestown Massacre because a leader divulged the next day’s suicide plans.

“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.” I think this quote by Abraham Lincoln applies if we are not operating out of impure motives. Do we know when or why Russia and the United States became friends?

Jesus spoke these words about love for enemies:

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ ⁴⁴ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. ⁴⁶ Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! ⁴⁷ And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! ⁴⁸ You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”                                                                                                                                                  Matthew 5:43-48 (GNT)

I feel concerned. Can anyone relate to what I’m feeling?