Pastor's Thoughts
GALILEAN RABBI CRUCIFIED!
Posted: Mar 27, 2009
Have you ever wondered how the media of today would report on the events of the first Good Friday? A reporter might be in the face of Mary questioning the claims of her Son and expressing a passive sympathy for her loss. An "expert" would be analyzing the claims of Jesus to determine if he was a fraud. Some would be questioning Pilate and his allowance of the horrific beating of Jesus and whether he thought crucifixion should be outlawed as an inhumane way to die. Others would seek an interview with the disciples and determine what's next for this bunch of men.
People would have found the events disturbing, discouraging and disconcerting. But how many would have understood the significance of the events that had just happened? What is the story behind the story? What really happened that day that bears pause today and reason to call it "good"? If a reporter could get an interview with God, he would have given us the real story (which he does in the Bible, by the way). Maybe it would have gone something like this……
"What really happened today is of profound impact to all. What you saw transpire in the suffering and crucifixion of my Son, was the focal point of my love for all people of all time, including you. How, you ask? As the Almighty Holy God, I have demanded that all honor me above all and walk in my commands. When people don't do this, or sin, I am bound in my justice to carry out punishment. In my patience, I waited until this moment to punish my Son in the place of people. What you saw today, although it appeared to be caused by the injustice of a Roman official or riled up religious leaders, was caused by sin, going way back to the first sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Jesus suffered and died today because people of all generations past, present and future are sinners. Why? So that I might show my love to the world. You see, the sin of the world was transferred on to Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). He paid the price in full for sin so all who believe in him might be declared not guilty and live with me forever. The cross you saw today will stand for generations to come to remind people not only of the price for sin, but also of the solution for sin. Today you may not see that these events are very good at all. But trust me, generations to come will see that today I exhibited my love to the world by sending my Son Jesus to live and die so that all who believe in him may not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Will you make sure this news gets out to the world? Oh, and by the way, come back on Sunday, you'll want another interview then!"
"What really happened today is of profound impact to all. What you saw transpire in the suffering and crucifixion of my Son, was the focal point of my love for all people of all time, including you. How, you ask? As the Almighty Holy God, I have demanded that all honor me above all and walk in my commands. When people don't do this, or sin, I am bound in my justice to carry out punishment. In my patience, I waited until this moment to punish my Son in the place of people. What you saw today, although it appeared to be caused by the injustice of a Roman official or riled up religious leaders, was caused by sin, going way back to the first sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Jesus suffered and died today because people of all generations past, present and future are sinners. Why? So that I might show my love to the world. You see, the sin of the world was transferred on to Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). He paid the price in full for sin so all who believe in him might be declared not guilty and live with me forever. The cross you saw today will stand for generations to come to remind people not only of the price for sin, but also of the solution for sin. Today you may not see that these events are very good at all. But trust me, generations to come will see that today I exhibited my love to the world by sending my Son Jesus to live and die so that all who believe in him may not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Will you make sure this news gets out to the world? Oh, and by the way, come back on Sunday, you'll want another interview then!"