The Scriptural Way of the Cross -- part IV

  10. Jesus is crucified:
    It is difficult to dwell on the image of the crucifixion, for the humanity of our souls connects with the brutality of such a death, and we can only take so much.  Imagining spikes being nailed through hands and feet is horrific enough, but it is horrid to know that one doesn’t die from pain or blood loss during crucifixion but they die by asphyxiation.  The weight of the body is too much for the diaphragm and chest muscles to bear, and  the body’s natural response is to gasp for oxygen when the body cannot exhale the nitrogen and carbon dioxide that builds up in the body.  It is a long and drawn out way to die.  It’s hard to dwell on the crucifixion.
    As hard as it is, however, it’s harder to know that Christ did this for us.  He did it for us, even when we betray and deny like Peter, when we try to play both sides like Pilate, when we resist carrying the Cross as Simon did, or when we weep for the wrong things like the women.  It’s difficult for us to accept the Jesus was crucified for us.  And yet, this is the Truth of God’s love.  We are left to reflect upon the weight of such a gift.

    What does it mean to you that Christ was crucified to save you?

  11. Jesus promises His kingdom to the repentant thief:
    There is something about the interaction between Jesus and the two thieves that draws us in.  Maybe it’s simply the raw nature of humanity’s internal battle between living for self and living for the other.  Maybe it’s the fact that the repentant thief sees who Jesus really is and begs for mercy.  Maybe it’s that Jesus says to the repentant thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise."  Whatever the case, there is a vividness to it that strikes home.
    What is it that draws YOU into the story?  What is YOU were up on the cross beside the Christ?  How would you respond?  What might Jesus say to you?
    The truth of the matter is, our sin is as theirs, and just as the two thieves revealed the two sides of human nature, so they reveal our nature as well.  For often we respond being defensive and placing blame on the other, while at other times humbling ourselves and placing our lives in right relationship with God.  It is only through the latter response that we position ourselves for the Kingdom.

    Remember a time when you became defensive and/or blamed others for life’s reality.  Now remember a time when you acknowledged the truth and owned up to your part.  What is Jesus' response to each situation?

  12. Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other:
    In his last act of giving, Christ looks down from the cross and gazes into the eyes of the one who bore and raised Him.  Beside her stands the beloved disciple, the one with whom Jesus had journeyed physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  This disciples had become Jesus’ brother.
    It is no coincidence that they stood side by side.  Not only were they comforting each other, but this was God’s way of comforting Christ.  There before Him the Father had placed these whom He loved most at the foot of the Cross.  There they received His inheritance, as horrific as it was.
    In that day, the remaining sons would care for the widows.  On that day, Christ called to his mother and brother and proclaimed, “Woman, behold your son.  Here is your mother.”  “From then on,” the Bible claims, “this disciple took her into his home.”
    Jesus took care of the loose ends, and he made a way for all to be well.  Even from the cross.

    Have you ever been in a place where there were far too many loose ends in your life?  How were they resolved?
    If God reached in and made a way where there seemed to be no way, then say a prayer of thanks.  If there was no resolution, pray that God will make a way, then watch, listen, trust, and respond.