Every year, around Easter and Passover, Asha and I settle in to watch an exceptional mini-series called Jesus of Nazareth, starring Robert Powell that beautifully depicts the life of Jesus Christ, as portrayed in the Gospels. This annual tradition serves not only as a spiritual reflection but also as a reminder of the enduring complexities of power, authority, and morality.
The series is a vivid retelling of Jesus’s life, capturing both the miraculous and the mundane. However, one of the most poignant and disturbing aspects is the portrayal of His scourging and crucifixion. These brutal scenes serve as a stark reminder of the darker sides of human nature and the ramifications of corrupted authority.
It is particularly shocking to observe that those who orchestrated Jesus’s death were the so-called “respected” individuals—those at the pinnacle of societal and religious hierarchies. The religious elite, who were expected to uphold spiritual and moral values, allied themselves with temporal rulers and even extremist supporters of Barabbas to orchestrate His demise. This collaboration of powerful interests epitomises the potential for corruption and misuse of authority, a theme unfortunately still relevant today.
Throughout history, the alliance between religious and temporal powers has often resulted in the oppression of individuals and the subversion of justice. Despite centuries of progress, echoes of this collusion persist in modern times. Too frequently, we witness instances where some religious leaders, politicians, police, and judges act in ways that betray the trust and responsibilities vested in them. This enduring reality serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that authority should not automatically be equated with trustworthiness or moral superiority.
In contemporary society, it remains critical to approach those in positions of power with a healthy degree of scepticism. Deference should not be granted automatically but earned through actions that demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a commitment to justice. This is not merely a cynical viewpoint but a pragmatic approach to safeguarding democracy, human rights, and social justice.
The annual viewing of the mini-series Jesus of Nazareth during Easter and Passover serves as a poignant reminder of these truths. It compels Asha and me—and hopefully others who engage with this timeless story—to reflect on the responsibilities of power and the importance of holding those in authority accountable. In doing so, we honour the teachings of Jesus, who championed the voiceless and challenged the status quo, advocating for a world led by compassion and righteousness rather than domination and deceit.
As we watch the series, we are reminded that while history may repeat itself, the lessons drawn from it can empower us to forge a more equitable and just society. And perhaps, in doing so, we can be part of ensuring that the darkest chapters of our past remain just that—the past.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 