April 8, 2012

He endured the cross for me...

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

If only that were true. Words wound. Often deeply.

Before the Lord was nailed to the sticks of a cross that would hold Him dying before a taunting crowd, words were hurled His way.   Many of the words the week of the cross were anything but encouraging. They were meant to trap the Nazarene. To mock Him. To wound Him.

“By what authority are you doing these things and who gave You this authority?” (Chief priests and elders)

“Is it lawful to give a poll tax to Caesar?” (Pharisees)

“Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Pharisees)

“Tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (High Priest)

“Are you the King of the Jews?” (Pilate)

“You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Crowd around the cross)

"He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross and we will believe in Him.  He trusts in God; Let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him, for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" (Chief priests, scribes and elders)

Despite the mockery, despite the excruciating pain, Jesus did not get down from the cross.

Instead He called out His own words, “It is finished.”

Which were met by the silence of His Father.

Until Sunday that is…

Jesus endured all of it. Because He knew what was around the corner.

Not a cross. But an empty tomb.

“For the joy set before him he ENDURED THE CROSS, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:2-3