One of the most important Messianic sects was the Essenes. They were apocalyptic, believing that they were the true religion, and that people would be judged by God in order to restore order and justice on Earth. They believed that God had revealed the truth to them, and abandoned Jerusalem protesting the manner in which the Romans were running the Temple. The Essenes held a radical monastic community in the desert, with very strict law. They are the ones that most people attribute the Dead Sea Scrolls to, and deeply influenced John the Baptist.
Jesus is contemporarily famous for his miracles. In fact, in his day, he impressed many people in the Galilee, including healing many people in a significant way. Nevertheless, it is also important to note that he was significant because he was a Jewish peasant, a carpenter that many people would deem unworthy or unrighteous. He primarily based himself in small, unsophisticated towns, seeking to rise to fame through his healing powers.
Pontious Pilate did not see Jesus as too challenging, as may be seen in his not making a big deal out of the supposed Messiah’s case. These types of rebels and heterodox activists were common, and it was common to crucifix state criminals (Public Broadcasting Services 48:20). Therefore, even though this is a horrible and torturous way to die, there are not many details that point towards Pontious Pilate actually feeling extraordinarily challenged or threatened by this figure. All challenges to the authorities and peace of Rome were swiftly and gruesomely attacked, even if the emperor did not believe that it would really be of transcendence.
Works Cited
Public Broadcasting Service. “PBS – From Jesus To Christ. The First Christians – 1 of 4.” YouTube, uploaded by Pierrebrd, 7 Apr. 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZPKCDOeyMg&feature=youtu.be
