Getting angry for being who you are - odd things in the Bible #9

At the unjust trial of Jesus, the governor tries to release him. But the Pharisees have worked up the crowd. They claim responsibility for the death of Jesus. Here's how it happens.

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.… (Matthew 27:24-26)

A few months later, Jesus has risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. His followers have no more favor with the religious leaders than Jesus had. And here's what happens: the ruling counsel is outraged that what they have done is brought into the open.

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! (Acts 5:27-29)

They are guilty. They said they'd be responsible for the death of Jesus. And yet ... and yet ... sometimes we prefer to sweep away our actions and failures - and pretend we are not those people who do terrible things.

That pretense happens even to religious leaders and politicians, never mind to ordinary sinners like you and me!

Questions: Do you ever feel attacked and defensive if someone points out something awful or inconsiderate that you did? Do you try to hide behind your reputation or position when you've failed?

How could you act with integrity after messing up? ("Hey, don't clam up. I'm asking myself the same question.") How can you fix that thing that's come between you and someone else?