Did the Jews kill Jesus?

The question of who was responsible for the death of Jesus is complex and has been the subject of theological, historical, and cultural debate for centuries. In the context of the New Testament, particularly the Gospels, various groups are depicted as playing roles in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, including some Jewish religious leaders and the Roman authorities. Historically, it is important to recognize that Jesus was crucified by the Roman authorities, as crucifixion was a Roman method of execution. While certain Jewish leaders are portrayed in the Gospels as seeking Jesus' death, blaming the Jewish community as a whole for his crucifixion has fueled anti-Semitism and has been rejected by many Christian denominations. In contemporary theology and scholarship, there is a strong emphasis on understanding the historical context and avoiding the scapegoating of any group for the death of Jesus. The Second Vatican Council's declaration "Nostra Aetate" (1965) is one prominent example of an effort to address and rectify this issue within the Catholic Church, emphasizing the shared heritage and respect between Christians and Jews. In summary, while certain individuals and groups played a role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, it is important to view these events within their broader historical context and to avoid generalizations that can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or hostilities.