Did you ever work yourself up to a big expectation just to be disappointed? A few years ago I went to Washington, DC for the first time, and toured the Smithsonian Museum. Among its priceless items is the hope diamond. As soon as you walked into the building, signs were pointing you to the diamond. The diamond drew a large crowd as we all crowded in to get a gander at the gem. With my 6’3″ frame I can usually hold my own in a crowd. With the swarm pushing against me, I remember thinking, “Is that it?” From behind glass it was not that impressive.
I think Festus had that kind of feeling about Jesus, and more sepcifically Paul. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were still angry that Paul was alive. They wanted Paul to be taken out, and they thought the change in power with Festus would be the perfect opportunity. In the end Festus was dissapointed at what appeared to be an unworthy dispute.
“they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about
a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” (Acts 25:19)
Festus missed it with Jesus, and I missed it with the Hope Diamond. The value hinges on two things: Purity & Rarity.
The purity of the life of Christ – matchless
The rarity of the life of Christ – only one conquered sin & the grave.
Never take for granted a priceless object.