I started delivering first person, historical monologues during Lent early in my ministry. They proved popular and easy to present because of their narrative flow and topic matter.

My first six were Judas Iscariot, Caiaphas (high priest in Jerusalem), Pontius Pilate, Herod, Barabbas, and Peter.

I have repeated the series several times over the years. I find that the more I research and study these personalities, the more I identify with them.

Several weeks ago I presented Pontius Pilate and several church members responded that it was my best sermon to date. Reportedly you could hear a pin drop during the presentation.

I believe that study and research has made these biblical personalities come alive within my own mind. They have become more than the strange names of people long dead, living in a foreign land. They responded to the historical and cultural factors of their time. They did not operate in a vacuum, moved along by a cosmic puppet master. They laughed and cried; they loved and hated; they were real people.

Consider Pontius Pilate, for example. Biblical readers have long characterized him as a weak-kneed representative of Tiberius Caesar. However, he had several critical confrontations with the residents of Jerusalem and Judea which cost him significant political capital. omplaints were lodged against him with the Emperor. When confronted with the issue of what to do with Jesus, he chose self-preservation but only after repeated efforts to free Jesus.

Familiarity with the issues and people has caused the Bible to become more meaningful for me. It describes real people with real problems and challenges. I am better able to empathize with them. Consequently, my faith is stronger.

I urge readers to more closely study and identify with the people in the Bible. I think you will be amazed how it changes your perceptions.