And so it happens – Jesus suffers for the sin of the world. This is often called “The Passion”. Sometimes we think that the more Jesus suffered, the more His suffering would take away our sin, as if there was a contest that Jesus had to go through the worst pain ever for a human being. I think that is to miss the point.
Jesus Christ our Lord suffered horribly – that is undeniable – from the emotional toll, to the betrayal, to being abandoned and denied, to false trials and beatings, spit in the face, whipped, carrying the cross, crown of thorns, nailed to a cross, crucified – Jesus suffered horrifically. It is not the pain that takes away our sin – it is His life, His willing sacrifice, His taking sin upon Himself (and off of us) – those are the things we can’t “see” – but they carry far more weight on His shoulders.
In these verses Jesus confronts the systems of injustice head on. He does not fight with the power of the world, but sacrifices Himself in love. This is the perfect sacrifice, and the power of the Kingdom. This is how Christians fight back against injustice – this is Stephen, and the early martyrs, and those suffering today – this is the power of the Kingdom breaking into our world full of corrupt power and pride.
I am so thankful for Jesus’ death and resurrection for me, for my wrongs. Here is my question – can I follow Him? Can I live that way – imperfect but growing more like Him each day because He lives in me? Or have I missed the point of the cross?
