Last week we celebrated Christmas and pondered the birth of the Savior. This week we ponder the most pivotal event in human history: his death. As we read about the events leading up to his death we recognize the intense hatred, evil and injustice that he endured and we can’t even fully comprehend how brutal and sorrowful it was.
The perfect, innocent lamb stood willingly in the midst of such horror and evil. Some recognized his innocence:
Judas: ““I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” (V4)
Pilate’s wife: “While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man..” (v19)
Pilate: ““Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. (V23)and he declared himself “ ..innocent of this man’s blood” (v24)
But, truly no one is innocent of the blood of Jesus for it is our sin that required it. And it is on the cross where this perfect, innocent, holy sacrificial lamb of God transformed the sorrow of his cruel death into the purest, most selfless love the world has ever known.
It’s easy to reflect upon the birth of Christ and see the Holy and Divine. But the cross is where we see God most intimately. At the cross is where sorrow and love are intertwined. The cross declares His humility and His majesty. As Chris Tomlinson explains:
At the cross…
…We see God’s sovereignty—reigning with absolute control over humanity’s greatest sin.
…We see God’s purpose—making known the mystery of His will prepared before time.
…We see God’s plan—to unite all things, on heaven and on earth, in Him.
…We see God’s judgment—requiring recompense for guilt.
…We see God’s holiness—demanding the perfect sacrifice.
…We see God’s power—crushing the Son of God according to the purpose of His will.
…We see God’s wrath—punishing the wretchedness of sin.
…We see God’s sorrow—wailing as only a forsaken son can.
…We see God’s mystery—the Son, as God, separated from the Father, committing His Spirit to God.
…We see God’s compassion—pleading to the Father to forgive the ignorant.
…We see God’s gift—His one and only Son, bruised and broken on our behalf.
…We see God’s mercy—making unrighteous sinners righteous.
…We see God’s love—Christ dying for sinners.
…We see God’s rescue operation—delivering us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His Son.
…We see God’s proposal—pledging Himself to His bride forever.
…We see God’s revelation—the Word of God speaking His last so He might speak on behalf of many.
…We see God’s victory—disarming His enemies, putting them to shame, and triumphing over them.
…We see God’s glory—the name of the Father being magnified for the sake of all peoples.
Do we truly ponder the purpose of the cross? Do we cherish that innocent blood that was shed on our behalf? His heart was broken and pierced that day. Has His sacrifice spiritually pierced your heart? Has the cross changed your perspective? Has it changed your will?
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watt
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.