The Story Continues
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:50-54
INSIGHT
Rejoice over the fact that we know the story of God’s love and that it doesn’t end on the cross. This is an advantage we have that those who witnessed firsthand what happened to Jesus did not. They were in the dark as the chaos unfolded before their very eyes. Reread today’s passage on the crucifixion of Christ and pay particular attention to how individuals reacted to the events taking place.
After mocking Him, the soldiers spat on and struck Jesus. Later they divvied out his clothing amongst each other. Simon, a random onlooker, was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. One has to wonder what was going through Simon’s mind as he lugged the cross up the hills of Golgotha. While Jesus was near death, the crowds and chief priests hurled insult after insult in His direction.
Even the thieves hanging on the crosses next to Jesus couldn’t resist taking a jab at the vulnerable teacher. No one could comprehend why Jesus didn’t utilize the power He possessed to free Himself from this predicament. And the confusion continued when Jesus gave up His spirit. The earth shook and tombs broke open. Not being able to comprehend what they were witnessing, terror filled the hearts of those guarding Jesus’ body. I can’t even begin to fathom what Jesus’ close friends were thinking. They had given up everything to follow Him, and now He was gone. But, this isn’t how the story ends. Three days later Jesus conquered death by rising again.
Just like those who witnessed Jesus’ death, the picture of the cross strikes a deep chord within all of us. Many don’t know how to react to the Son of God dying on a cross for their sin. The cross evokes feelings of guilt and shame for some while others experience great joy and thankfulness. It speaks to the core of who we are, no matter our background.
Unarguably, the cross stands as the central most significant event in history. It requires our attention. The cross demands we stop and take notice. Everyone must come to grips with what this historic event means to them personally. At some point in everybody’s life, they will confront the reality of the cross.
The question each one of us needs to ask is: what am I going to do with the cross? Will I embrace it, try to pay it back, or ignore it? Will I look upon it with joy or shame? Most importantly, will I lay down my life and let Christ live within me or will I ignore it and keep living for myself?
REFLECTION
How does the cross stand as the central most crucial event in history?
What have you done with the cross? How has Jesus’ act on the cross influenced and impacted the way you live, love and forgive?
PRAYER
God, thank you for the beauty of the cross. Your love and grace are consistent and abounding. I rejoice in the gift You’ve given me. Through Your death, I’ve been given life. I want my life to reflect the sacrifice and love seen in the cross. Please open my eyes to all You have done for me. Help me to be grateful for the generosity of grace that You extend to me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
