People mocked Jesus, and yelled out at him, “Save
yourself … come down from the cross” – “He saved others, he cannot save
himself”. This was of course, completely missing the point! To actually save
others, Jesus would have to go through with this remarkable act of loving
sacrifice. Jesus could NOT save himself, if he wanted to truly save others. It
was precisely by NOT saving himself, that Jesus was able to save others
(Dickson). No greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends
(John 15:13). And despite all this mocking and torture, and the rejection and
betrayal that came earlier, Jesus would lay down his life for all these people.
Jesus was heard to say from this cross, “Father forgive them , for they don’t
know what they are doing”! This cross, this act of grace, is all about
forgiveness – bringing the possibility of forgiveness to us – so that we can
live as forgiven people (which will include forgiving others).
Humanity had got to the point, where they would need
this ultimate act of sacrifice – to get past their guilt, shame and brokenness.
There was a huge roadblock here. All the detours just went round and round, and
there never was any other way back onto the right road. If there could be a way
where sins could be forgiven, guilt removed, shame vanquished and brokenness
healed – then the whole world could be changed for the better … one life at a
time. If people could get past their mistakes and failures, receiving and
offering forgiveness, then there would be a chance for reconciliation to occur
within relationships. People could experience true peace and discover intimate
relationship with God; and, instead of making situations worse, become creative
peace-makers. Lessons could be learned on the path to spiritual fulfilment.
This was the vision of the cross, and the view from the cross!
When Jesus spoke of destroying and rebuilding the
temple (v.29), he was really talking about how the (spiritual) fabric of
humanity had to transformed and rebuilt. And NO OTHER course of action would work … to achieve God’s goals of reconciliation … only suffering
servanthood. God came to earth to show us what Divinity was about – a deep
desire for humanity to live into the potential of the original creation. This
involved taking all of our burdens to the cross. Jesus came down from heaven to
minister and teach, then down further … into the saddest level of human
behaviour, where he would die in the worst way possible (Austin). This
unprecedented act of service, was taking upon himself the sins of the whole
world – past, present and future, to the extent of suffering a torturous
beating and an excruciating death on a Roman cross.
Everyone misunderstood what God’s Messiah would be
like. NOT the all-conquering hero to (simply) liberate them from Roman rule –
this being just the stuff of personal convenience wish-lists … no real change
enacted there. NOT a commander, who would jump down from the cross wielding a
sword, and taking over the government. But, totally the opposite to this.
Attracting hearts open to change. Wanting voluntary followers. Bringing healing
to the spirit, and salvation to the soul. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”,
Jesus quoted three years earlier, “because he has anointed me to bring good news
to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of
sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the
Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 58:6, 61:1-2).
And so, Jesus WILL die … on that cross! He WON’T
save himself, for he is set on saving others. Real faith was not going
to happen, if Jesus just came down from that cross in some spectacular display.
True “seeing and believing” (v.32) will come through understanding what was
really happening here. Here … Jesus was dying for the world God loved, in the
hope that this would mean a new beginning for individual lives, and better
futures for communities all across the earth. Does the story end here (at the
cross)? No! But while we are here, we need to ask ourselves how we should
respond!
How should we respond to what Jesus has done for us?
For some, it may be kneeling at the foot of the cross and accepting the grace
of God into your lives – having been lost, now you are found (by Jesus). We all
need to know this Jesus. For others, there may be the need for a statement of
recommitment and refocus, where life has become slightly pear-shaped, or
distracted by other endeavours. For those who already know Jesus (as Saviour,
Friend and Lord), you may need to grow in your capacity to forgive others – and
strength for this also comes from appreciating this gift on the cross (and
kneeling below it). Whatever the reason, wherever we are in life, let us kneel at the
cross, where Jesus has died … so that we might live.
PRAYERS
God of the crucified Jesus, we pray, in deep gratitude
–
For each other … each of us here: that we may be
lifted above anxieties, guilt, pain or fear, and by the mercies of Jesus, who
bore our sorrows and carried our shame, find peace at the foot of the cross.
For the church: that we may be courageous in carrying
the cross, compassionate in forgiving others, and willing to use our resources
in love … for all those for whom Jesus died.
For the suffering – all around the world: that sick,
hungry or persecuted people … may know your love and receive your help … which
they need physically, emotionally or spiritually – may they know there is a God
who understands, and reaches out in compassion.
For our families and friends: according to their
individual needs, where hopes that have been buried … these may again germinate and grow,
and be ready for a resurrection.
For our nation: that Australia may be just, generous
and peace-making, and broadly experience the grace that we have experienced at
the foot of the cross … in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. Amen.
Blessed be Your Name, Jesus – friend of the needy and
forsaken; blessed be Your Name. We thank You for loving us so much, that You
endured the cross for our salvation. Fill us with such wonder at your suffering
love, that we might long to be transformed by it. We look forward to Your
resurrection. Amen.
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