Articles
The Revealing Power Of The Crucifixion
The spiritual necessity of the crucifixion was not clear to the disciples even though Jesus taught them repeatedly what would happen and why (Mark 9:32; Luke 18:31-34). It was only afterward that the picture came into focus. Here are some other things that were not fully understood until the situation blossomed into murderous travesty:
Judas: The full impact of Judas’ bargain with the priests did not dawn upon him until Jesus was arrested and His fate sealed. Only then did the horror of his betrayal come crashing down, shattering any illusions he may have had about his motives or profit from his actions. The blinding power of greed has no limits (cf. Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-5).
Peter: Peter was deluded into thinking he was more courageous than he really was. We likely can all relate to talking big about potentialities only to find that reality brings fear and pressures we had not imagined. When God’s word or wise brethren point out weaknesses in us, perhaps we should listen carefully to their insights (cf. Luke 22:31-34, 54-62).
Herod: Herod had to learn that Jesus was more than just a curiosity and that he, though king, could not command a man to sacrifice his dignity. God placed the truth before Herod through both John and Jesus, but he couldn’t see it. He brutally executed the one and made sport of the other (cf. Luke 23:6-11). Herod’s carnality blinded him to justice and divinity.
Pilate: Whatever Pilate may have thought about Jesus prior to His trial is not revealed. But the false charges, the political maneuvering and the clamor for Barabbas’ release all made the innocence of Jesus starkly clear (cf. Luke 23:4, 14, 22). We are not told the state of Pilate’s conscience after washing his hands of his crime, but he had plenty of time to think about it, for he was exiled to Gaul and later committed suicide.
John: The only apostle with the courage to stand at the foot of the cross was John (John 19:25-27). In a moment of what must have been unspeakable agony for this beloved disciple, John learned what he truly meant to Jesus when Jesus entrusted Mary into his care. John had been faithful in little; he now is given the opportunity to be faithful in much (Luke 16:10).
The thief: To the rabble looking on, the crucifixion was a juicy bit of the-ater, and even one of Jesus’ companions in death mocked Him (Luke 23:39-43). But the other criminal saw something in Jesus that made him suspend reason (Jesus is near death; how could He help anyone?) and see past the cross. Jesus’ death is a portal to a world lying beyond this one.
The centurion: Who knows? Perhaps the centurion considered the execution detail as just another day’s work. But when Jesus expired, the centurion “glorified God, saying, ‘Certainly this was a righteous Man!’” (Luke 23:47). Apparently the grace and composure of Jesus in His last hours convinced this hardened soldier that a good man had died.
Mary: As events unfolded earlier in her life, it was said that “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). And Simeon had also told her that “a sword will pierce through your own souls also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). Did Mary have an “Aha!” moment as she watched her Son die, or did her agony overshadow everything else? We don’t know, but it seems a fair conclusion that Mary eventually understood the significance of all that had happened to her and her (and God’s) Son.
The crucifixion of Christ revealed many things to those principals who were involved in or present at His execution. But the enlightenment does not stop there. The death of Jesus reveals many things to all who seriously contemplate it. In the cross we (should) see:
- The true nature of our sins. It took this to secure forgiveness?!
- Our helplessness. Someone else had to suffer mightily to free me.
- The extent of God’s love. He was willing to do that for me?!
- Death is not the end -- of opportunity, yes; of existence, no.
- The degree of our faith. Is our faith strong enough to activate courage?
- The importance of integrity. We may save face but lose our soul.
- The culmination of what God has done through the ages. What a blessing it is to live on this side of the cross and see the work of God for us.
What does the cross tell you about yourself?
