We arrive at what is the most challenging and gruesome day for Jesus. He has prepared His disciples for what is going to be an unreal couple of days. His own heart is sorrowful to the point of death and agonizing in prayer but willfully choosing the road of His Father. The crowded streets of Jerusalem are about to witness a man beaten to within an inch of His life, carrying His own instrument of death to the place of His execution. In a searing and painful twist of irony, everyone watching should be the ones beaten handily and marching to their appointed death. Yet, He has taken their place.
The same is true today. Romans 3:23 reminds us that the "wages (payment) of sin is death..."
THE SCENE
Large crowds had gathered and Pilate is party to the worst mistrial of all time. Dragging Jesus before the crowd, hoping that the beating, crown of thorns and purple robe (sort of a nod to his unhinged claim to be God) would appease their bloodlust yet he is met with an astonishing reply.
The religious leaders who feared man so greatly only a few days earlier and wouldn't dare ask Jesus any more questions after losing in a game of entrapment, now find themselves leading the charge to see this man crucified (John 19:6-7).
This is crazy. I saw Judas talking to them a few days ago, all of the sudden he is no where to be found and his friend appears to be on the way to execution. What?! These religious leaders are so confusing. A short while ago they pretended like this man had no power or authority and now they seem so threatened that they are egging the crowd on to crucify Him? I thought trials were supposed to be public and contain the corroboration of at least 2 or 3 witnesses.
Makes no difference. With self-righteous indignation, and there really is no worse kind, they foist on the people their desires. They do this because internally the claims He makes dismantle their tried and true system. Instead of accepting all the prophecies about this man and seeing the very clear signs pointing to him as Messiah, they opt to tighten the screws on the box they have now created for Him and are committed to where its leading.
What transpires over the next several hours is breathtaking if not tragic. This bloodied man makes His way to a hill overlooking the city. He is fastened to a cross with nails holding His arms and legs in place. A sign mockingly declares what readers for multiple millennia know now to be true, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
Why are people mocking this man. Sure, the other two men up there deserve to die but this man doesn't appear to be guilty. I cannot fathom why He has been silent before accusers if He is innocent... OH MY - is that his Mother over there? The agony and helplessness she must be thinking?
What is going on that this Man commands so much attention? Is He really the Messiah as He claims? The soldier has just confirmed it he is dead, but cries out, "certainly this man was innocent."
"It is finished" sounds like the cry of someone who was on task or mission. I simply must discover what it was. Where are all of His disciples?
Obviously I am telling this so that you will be driven back to the Word of God. Good Friday doesn't seem like it would be good at all. How does one reconcile a marred man, hung on a cross, mocked while breathing His last - all done without a proper trial. He accomplished what all of us OWE. Death. You and I were born RUNNING from God and to our devices. God, in Love makes a way for you and I to be KNOWN by HIM. However, that knowledge comes at a premium, the life of His innocent Son.
As the next two days unfold we will see what becomes of this man's claims and where it might lead us. For now, focus on the blood. It was spilled all over the courtyard while His body was beaten extensively. It left a trail while He carried His cross (really our cross) up a long and agonizing path. It trickled down the cross as He hung overlooking the city that had received warning after warning BUT IGNORED THEM.
What about you? In your own heart, right now, consider being a witness that day. As you follow Him up the hill to His death you have just stepped in His blood...
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