WAS THE TRIAL OF JESUS NECESSARY? Christians have long been taught that the crucifixion of Jesus was one part of the requirements of God for the redemption of humanity. However, if this teaching is examined closely, it may occasion some perplexity.
Jesus surely would have known if dying on the cross was part of his bestowal mission while on earth. Before he incarnated he was briefed extensively by his elder brother Immanuel regarding the requirements he was to fulfill for the successful completion of his bestowal on earth.
[UB 119:7,8] [UB Paper 120]
According to the information given in The Urantia Book, Immanuel did not inform Jesus that he would be required to die on the cross to pay for the sins of mankind. During his assignment on earth, Jesus certainly knew that the Jewish religious leaders were determined to put him to death by crucifixion. But at no time did Jesus instruct the Apostles that his death on the cross would be for the purpose of redeeming mankind.
Let us concede for a moment that it was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross.
There are still questions:
Why was it necessary for the members of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus through a mock trial? When the time came for his death, why didn’t Jesus simply present himself before the Sanhedrin and announce that he was now ready to die? At what point were members of the Sanhedrin informed by God that they were to crucify Jesus? Where in the Holy Scriptures of the Jews did it instruct them that when a divine Son of God appeared on earth he was to be crucified? It seems remarkable we are taught that God would require the killing of the innocent Jesus in direct violation of his own commandment Thou shall not kill.
The Urantia Book states clearly that the crucifixion of Jesus was the work of men and not a requirement of God.Revised November 24 2008