Our Lord moaned, “It is finished” (John 19:30). With that last sad utterance, Jesus died. He was the Messiah, the “Redeemer of Israel.” He had been the One to walk on water, feed thousands physically and spiritually. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He taught and moved thousands to believe in Him. Now what?
Although He had predicted his own death, none of His followers anticipated it. All of His disciples fled at His arrest. Peter denied Him three times. His women friends wept. On the journey to Emmaus, Simon and Cleopas were deeply disappointed in the death of Jesus because they firmly believed that Jesus was going to redeem Israel (Luke 24:18). Perhaps it might be well for us to consider some possible reactions of those connected with the death of the Messiah.
The leaders were envious of Jesus and sought His death on numerous occasions (Matthew 27:18). Just as Elijah was accused, they considered Jesus a “troubler of Israel.” They must have rejoiced at His crucifixion. Afterwards, they were concerned that His influence might continue (Matthew 28:62-66). Were they now content that they had eliminated their enemy?
What about Barabbas? He was guilty of sedition and murder. He had been on death row. Yet, by some strange stroke of “luck,” he was freed to go on his merry way. What did he think of the death of the innocent man that had saved his life? Did that reprieve in any way change him?
Satan must be included in those who thought they were victorious. Did he rejoice? Satan, a “liar from the beginning,” had finally “defeated” God by orchestrating the death of God’s own Son. One cannot but surmise that he felt quite smug in his victory over his former Master, the God of all, which he wanted to be.
Finally, consider the Father’s angels. They had witnessed the creation, man’s fall, the continual sin of man throughout the ages, and finally, the earthly arrival of God’s own Son, Jesus. One of them had the honor of announcing His arrival and myriads sang at the good news.
Now, it appeared that one of God’s rebellious angels had been victorious in arranging the “final solution,” death to God’s own Son. Angels did not fully know God’s plan or his power. They had no idea that the Christ could defeat even death itself. There is nothing in the Word about them, but surely they were in despair.
Let’s make a life application. How does Christ’s birth, life, miracles, and horrific suffering and death affect you? Has there been any change in your behavior because God’s own Son had to die because of you and me? What is your attitude now that someone had to lose his life so that you might have eternal life? When we partake of the communion on the first day of the week, how tangible does that sacrifice become?
Perhaps a better question to proffer is this: does the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus our Lord make any changes in our everyday lives? Our love for the Master compels us to re-make our lives in His image. That means our habits, which may have formed over many years, our secret sins, our desire for ill to others, our innermost thoughts, and our concern for the soul of everyone around us is molded by Jesus! If the offering of Jesus Christ by the Father is to make any difference to a lost and dying world, it is only through each one of us individually communicating God’s love.
The story is told that when hearing a sermon on the death of Jesus, a little girl in the audience began to weep. Her mother reached over to reassure her and said, “Don’t let it affect you, honey.” Has that event so tragic and so wonderful ceased to affect us?
Have you ever spoken to someone about Jesus? Does your new life in Christ make any difference to your family, to your neighbor, to your work or school acquaintances, or to anyone?
Today, yes, today is the right time to stop and take stock of our spiritual lives. If we have not made a difference before, God allows us to begin anew through His grace. Will you?
-Ken Smith
