Liba Hopeson

“After a decade, a non-Christian who had recently read the Gospels visits his Christian friend, and together they share a warm and meaningful conversation.”

Christian: Hi, buddy! So nice to see you after such a long time. Thanks for coming.
Non-Christian: Nice to see you too. Yes, it’s been a long time, but finally we meet again.
Christian: Have a seat. What brings you here today? Do you have something to share?
Non-Christian: Lately, I’ve been reading the Gospels, and the life and teachings of Jesus really captivated me.
Christian: Wow, that’s awesome! I really appreciate that. What do you think about the cross of Jesus Christ?
Non-Christian: Since Good Friday is around the corner, I actually wanted to ask you something about it.
Christian: Please do. I’m excited to have a meaningful conversation with you today.
Non-Christian: From the Gospels, and also from a book by a New Testament scholar, I learned that the priests handed over Jesus to Pilate because of envy. Is that true? Can you explain?
Christian: Oh yes. Jesus upset the Jewish establishment right from the start of His public ministry. He stirred controversy through His actions—mixing with disreputable people, feasting instead of fasting, and healing on the Sabbath, which they saw as profaning it. He didn’t just ignore the traditions of the elders—He outright rejected them and criticized the Pharisees for placing tradition above Scripture. They cared more about regulations than people, more about ceremonial purity than moral integrity, more about laws than love. He even called them ‘hypocrites,’ ‘blind guides,’ and compared them to ‘whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.’ To them, these were intolerable accusations.
Non-Christian: So, are you saying the Jewish leaders were proud in Jesus’ time?
Christian: Oh yes. They were proud—racially, nationally, religiously, and morally. They were proud of their nation’s long-standing relationship with God, proud of their leadership role, and especially proud of their authority.
Non-Christian: So when Jesus healed the sick, performed miracles, and people followed Him, the priests became jealous?
Christian: Definitely, yes.
Non-Christian: But how are Christians today? Is there jealousy in churches too? Are Christians able to celebrate others success and rejoice when others do good or even better than them?
Christian: Oh, your question is simple, but hard to answer. Honestly, there are Christians who celebrate others’ success, even when surpassed—but jealousy is very common in our churches. Many can’t think beyond their own clan, let alone their village. Tribalism is very strong. Christian mission is not supposed to be a competition, but sadly, many of us fail to rejoice when others do well. I’m embarrassed to say—it’s quite common.
Christian: You seem to be seriously thinking about the Gospel and Christianity. Is there anything else you’d like to talk about?
Non-Christian: Yes, actually. Something struck me on my way to your home.
Christian: What is it? Please share.
Non-Christian: From my reading, I learned that Judas betrayed Jesus because of greed—he loved money too much. In contrast, the Bible says Jesus gave His life for the sins of the world. Judas was focused on receiving; Jesus was focused on giving. But after all these years, from what I see, many Christians today don’t seem to reflect Christ very well (laughs).
Christian: How so? Why do you say that? Please share.
Non-Christian: Well, last time I visited, your roads were wide. Now, they’re so narrow—I assume it’s due to encroachment. Even the river has shrunk. It’s hard for two cars to pass each other. Your land might flood in the future because the river is too small now. Also, I heard that prices skyrocket during the Christmas season. The Bible says Christ gave Himself for the salvation of humanity, yet I see a lot of greed in the Christian community. No offense, but do we only talk about Judas Iscariot? Hope you don’t mind me asking.
Christian: Oh, buddy, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m ashamed. It’s true—individualism, materialism, and greed are widespread. We don’t walk the talk. We’re often more about receiving than giving.
Non-Christian: Please don’t mind my words. It’s just that the teachings and works of Christ really moved me while reading the Gospels. I have one more question.
Christian: Please go ahead.
Non-Christian: Initially, Pilate refused to hand Jesus over to be crucified. He even said Jesus was innocent. So what made him finally give in?
Christian: The shouts of the people prevailed. He decided to grant their demand and handed Jesus over to their will. Their shouts, their demand, their will—Pilate gave in to them. He wanted to release Jesus, but he also wanted to satisfy the crowd. The crowd won. They told him, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” That clinched it.

Non-Christian: I understand that Jesus came willingly to die for humanity’s sins. But from our conversation, it seems like certain people were responsible too. How do we understand that?
Christian: It’s both. Jesus came voluntarily to die for our sins—but we are guilty too. If we were in the shoes of those who handed Him over, we would’ve done the same. In fact, we have done it.
Non-Christian: How so? What’s your final message on this Good Friday eve?
Christian: Whenever we turn away from Christ, we’re crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace. We sacrifice Jesus to our greed like Judas, to our envy like the priests, and to our ambition like Pilate. There’s a spiritual song that asks, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” And our answer must be, “Yes, we were there.” Not just as spectators—but as guilty participants, plotting, betraying, bargaining, and handing Him over. We may try to wash our hands like Pilate, but it’s in vain. The blood is on our hands.
Non-Christian: Wow. How wonderful it would be if all Christians thought like you.
Christian: Oh buddy, it’s not that I am good or that my thoughts are great. But when I look at the cross, I see how serious sin is, how holy God is, and how deeply I need His forgiveness.
Non-Christian: That’s wonderful. Thank you for answering my questions. I wish to be a Christian, but I still don’t feel fully convinced.
Christian: My pleasure. I pray that God will speak to you. May the power of Christ’s cross and resurrection work in you and transform your life