Who was Jesus Christ, Chapter 1 of Who Crucified Christ by Ogden Kraut

It is very difficult to imagine why anyone would want to kill Jesus. Was He such a serious threat to those in ruling positions at the time? Did this Teacher from Galilee jeopardize their power and influence with the people? Why would anyone pay blood money for information leading to His death? And furthermore, why would one of Christ’s own apostles be willing to accept a few pieces of silver for assisting in His betrayal? Apparently even Joseph Smith was somewhat baffled by Judas’ actions, for he commented:

What nearer friend on earth, or in heaven, had Judas than the Savior? And his first object was to destroy Him. * * * Who is as holy as He was? Are they to be found? He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven–no deceit was in His mouth, neither was guile found in His heart. And yet one that ate with Him, who had often drunk of the same cup, was the first to lift up his heel against Him. (TPJS, p. 67)

Such questions as “who was really responsible for the crucifixion of Christ?” and “why was He crucified?” will be considered in this book, with perhaps some additional light shed on the subject. For centuries the Jews have been blamed for the deed, and even the Book of Mormon states that “there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.” (2 Nephi 10:3) But is it possible that a whole nation is under condemnation for the actions of “a few?” Weren’t many of the early Christians Jews themselves? Certainly a subject as important as this deserves a serious effort on our part to delve into and discover the historical truth.