A Few Good Friday Reflections

This morning I have been reading through the passion and death of Jesus, as captured by Luke.  It is really a heart-rending story, especially if one loves Jesus.  I am amazed by a couple of things.  

First, I find it amazing how quickly Jesus went from being heralded as the New King of the Jews (Celebrated on Palm Sunday), and even having a peaceful  celebration of Passover with His disciples, to being arrested, beaten, and crucified in a day or so.  It is amazing how quickly the world can turn, and how fickle are our human wills and opinions.

Second, I was thinking about all the scheming and plans of the enemy, how he must have been gloating to see the rapid downfall of Jesus, thinking that He had won!  Jesus meanwhile was effectively shepherding the fulfillment of the prophecies and doing absolutely nothing to stave off what was coming towards Him.  It is amazing the enemy didn't see that surrender as a sure sign of God's bigger plan at work.

Thirdly, the statement of the people found in Matthew 27:25 NIV:  "All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”   I am amazed that they were so bold to embrace such a curse upon themselves.  In the midst of this, that is exactly what Jesus allowed, His blood to be poured forth upon all and any that would choose to believe in Him.  There were likely many that chanted this phrase, who later would be saved on the day of Pentecost and those days following, having their sins washed clean by the very blood of Jesus.  God absolutely flipped the curse into a blessing.

Finally, the mocking statement that was made by leaders and soldiers alike towards Jesus as He hung on the cross, found in Luke 23:35-37 NIV:

[35] "The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God's Messiah, the Chosen One.” 

[36] The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar [37] and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

We see this very same mockery of the Lord even today, except expressed towards those followers of Christ.  Those that are persecuted, those that are believing for salvation, those that are waiting for miracles, are often subjected to similar thoughts and words.  We even experience similar thoughts when we question God's love for us!  If He really is who He says He is, He would save me, heal me, help me, etc. We think God weak, or unable to act.  Others mock God, mock those of us who believe in Him, sneering at our simplistic beliefs.  Oh Lord, forgive us, and forgive them! 

God in His mercy, extends salvation to every person, whether a mocker, unbeliever, prideful, fearful, confused, or any other state of mind and heart.  Thankfully God is not like man, tracking down every one who had a part in His death and violently ending them!  He instead, knowing full well our unbelief, our doubt, our anger, our pains, offers us peace, and absolute salvation!  He chooses, over and over, again and again, to cleanse us in His most precious blood, washing us clean of our guilt, and inviting us into relationship that is the key to eternal life!  

He didn't just save Himself, He offers salvation to us all!

Thank You Lord!