03.29.2024
In college, I was in a group called the Collegians. We traveled up and down the East Coast, putting on plays. One of them was called The Passion Play and told the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I will never forget how acting out one scene impacted me.
In the scene, the actor playing Jesus was nailed to the cross, and I was one of many in the crowd below mocking and taunting him. Amid many voices, I suddenly was aware of the words being spoken by Jesus and not just the noise of the crowd.
It broke me.
I was a Christian long before this, so the significance of what he did on my behalf was not lost on me. I had wept before because of the suffering He endured for me, but this was different. At that moment, I was keenly aware that Jesus wasn’t murdered. His life and fate were never in the hands of any man. (John 10:18)
Being fully God, Jesus already knew all that would happen to him. Being fully man, his soul was overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. (Mark 14:34) Scripture says his sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. Because most of us have never seen or experienced this, it is easy to explain this away. Still, there is a medical condition called Hematidrosis, where one’s sweat contains blood. The cause is extreme anguish.
Soon after, he would be betrayed by one of his own disciples. He would undergo trials and listen to witnesses give false accusations against him. He would recall the same people who once hailed him as Messiah and now call for his crucifixion. His flesh would be ripped from his body as they flogged him to the point of near death. He would have nails driven into his hands and feet; a sword pierced his side.
Yet, his words were few, and Scripture only records one time when he cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). To Jesus, his greatest agony came with separation from the Father. Yes, all these things were horrible, but this was his cause for extreme anguish.
We all lean in to hear what someone says at the end of one’s life. After he cries out, here is what Jesus says:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Dear Woman, here is your son! “Here is your mother!” John 19:26-27
“I am thirsty.” John 19:28
“It is finished!” John 19:30
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Luke 23:46
In seven short sentences, Jesus models forgiveness, offers salvation, emphasizes community, acknowledges his humanity, accomplishes his purpose, commits his life into the hands of his Father, and most importantly, shows us what to guard and covet above all else, our relationship to the Father.
Jesus was never the victim; he was always the Victor!
My tears that day, while mixed with sorrow, were from an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. It was never the nails that held him to the cross; it was love.
As you read this, our 24-Hours of Prayer event continues. May his last words hold the value they deserve and challenge our perspectives on how we should pray.
We have much to be thankful for this season. Please join us and invite others for our Good Friday service tonight at 7PM. We have a powerful night of worship, reflection, communion, and prayer for healing in store for you. We hope this powerful night of worship will help prepare our hearts to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday together! We are offering two identical services at 9 and 10:45. Invite someone to sit with you as we celebrate all that Jesus accomplished for us!
Blessings,
Pastor Jenifer Shirley