While studying for this Sunday I am reading Matthew 7:7-12. As I was reading about asking, seeking and knocking, a thought came to mind about the imperative mood used in commands. The imperative, of course, is the mood of command. The difference between “I go” and “Go!” is found in the imperative. Sometimes, in these studies I will look for quotes on Greek grammar to use in the message and this week a great thought came to me while looking at what Dana and Mantey had to say about the imperative mood.

“Where one will makes a direct, positive appeal to another the imperative finds its most characteristic use” (Dana and Mantey, p175).

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The scene spreading out before us is one of palpable emotion; hatred, fear, anger and disappointment hold sway. When these take control, especially in a crowd, the first victim is often justice. The scene is Jesus before Pontius Pilate as the religious leaders inspire the mob to demand the crucifixion of him, who had healed, delivered and even raised the dead. The crowd, the same one placing palm fronds in his path and praising him as the deliverer, was now clamoring for his blood. What could turn a crowd from ecstatic worship to blood lust? How could one who had helped so many be the object of such rage? Read the rest of this entry »