The Astonishing Story

Read Matthew 27:27-54 

Although as a child I attended a church where Good Friday was reverently observed each year, I’d never wept over Jesus’ crucifixion. Then, when I was about 11 years old, I read C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Through the eyes of the children in the story, I watched in disbelief as the good lion Aslan, ruler of Narnia, allowed evil creatures to bind and muzzle him—though he could easily have knocked them aside with a mighty paw. I was appalled as they sheared off his mane, then mocked, kicked, spit—and finally killed him. He gave his life willingly to save someone else! I cried for Aslan, but I also knew I was crying for Jesus.

If we let the Good Friday story past our guard, it triggers many emotions. Some are all too familiar in our fallen world. Anger at injustice—as sinless Jesus is accused in a sham trial, convicted for political expedience, sentenced to a shameful death. Dismay at brutality—as a company of soldiers beats a lone prisoner and attires him in “royal” garb for their amusement. Outrage over cruelty—as a dying man is taunted by spectators calling him an impostor, daring him to save himself.

Then there is an emotion that’s less familiar—astonishment at great self-sacrifice. For Jesus was no helpless victim. He was the Son of God! If the scene were in a superhero movie, we’d be leaning forward in our seats, waiting eagerly for Jesus to come down from the cross, reveal His power, and punish His tormentors. When He did not, we’d be stunned. Devastated. We might even cry.

Jesus chose not to defend His body from pain, His name from slander, or even His soul from being forsaken by the Father. Instead He trusted God’s plan and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). This obedience was so momentous that darkness fell and the earth shook. His incomprehensible sacrifice was made for selfish beings who did not deserve it at all. For us.

How can we allow these truths to truly touch us? While my son was in college, he watched a movie about the crucifixion every year. Someone else I know listens to special music. Everyone is different. But we all need to coax our hearts open to Jesus, because he “gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2).

FOR REFLECTION:

• Spend time allowing the crucifixion to impact your heart today. Watch, read, or listen to versions of the crucifixion and reflect on all Jesus experienced. 

by Susan Gilliland