Pilate wanted to please everyone - ultimately, he was about popularity, not justice. He surrendered Jesus to their will as a result.
Jesus responding to the women mourning and wailing for Him must have stood out - He was not seeking sympathy, but rather was concerned about the future - He knew things would only get worse. This surely must have stood out to the bystanders listening and watching Him.
Those watching Jesus sneered at Him - mocking, and despising Him. Jesus remained silent. Those crucified with Him had 2 different reactions - one despising and the other turning to Him and surrendering to Him and His mercy. Jesus responded accordingly to the one who turned to Him.
The criminal who turned to Jesus clearly saw Jesus as He was - innocent and unjustly condemned. He knew He was coming into His Kingdom and thus asked to be remembered. Jesus promised and assured Him that He would.
Jesus' death was both physically, spiritually and nationally/globally significant. This was a major event that had major consequences. They remind us of whom Jesus REALLY is.
In the face of apparent failing and disappointment, the women and Joseph continued to respond trusting in who He said He was. Their faith would later be vindicated. The question is 'do I have similar faith' even when circumstances are at their lowest ebb? Only if I trust fully in who Jesus is will I.
No comments:
Post a Comment