Journey to the Cross Through COVIDExemplo

When Jesus was being arrested and the disciples wanted to fight back, he said these words: “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions [over 60,000] of angels” (Matt. 26:53). Read today’s Scripture bearing in mind the fighting force that Jesus had at his beck and call. This massive army just awaited his command.

Read Luke 23:26-43.

After his silence at the trial, Jesus speaks a lot in this passage. He’s warning of the judgment to fall on Jerusalem. He’s forgiving those who are crucifying him. He’s saving a repentant criminal. His ministry is going on right until his death. His heart lies with the needs of others. This is our Saviour.

But there is a consistent taunt directed at Jesus that pervades this passage: if he really was the Messiah, he would be able to save himself from crucifixion. We find this sneer on the lips of the Jewish leaders (23:35), the mocking soldiers (23:36) and one of the criminals being crucified alongside Jesus (23:39). To most of those observing this frail man dying in agony as a common criminal one thing was absolutely clear – he was no Messiah. He couldn’t be.

And as these fallen humans cruelly derided Jesus, 60,000 angels looked on aghast, poised to come to the Lord of heaven’s rescue at his slightest cry. But Jesus had no interest in saving himself. He was fully committed to saving us. 

In these days of loss and anxiety and shortages and restrictions, humans have a natural tendency to look out for themselves. We’ve seen this in the supermarket toilet paper scramble. It was every man (or woman) for himself. If there is any time that you need to put yourself first, surely it’s when things are tough. 

But Jesus displays the opposite. He loves and gives and serves and forgives and lays down his life right to the end. And he gently calls us to do the same. This is our opportunity to think more of others, to make sacrifices, to share the love of Jesus, to pray for needs. Our deep security through the death of Jesus becomes more obvious as we show the difference Christ makes.

Prayer: Praise Jesus for ignoring the angels and staying on that terrible cross so that you will never face separation from God. Pray for opportunities to pass the love of Jesus on to others. Ask for the privilege of serving someone today.