Luke 23:44-56 | Hebrews 12:1-2
The soldiers were mocking him a minute ago. Now their commander, the centurion - a Roman and not a Jew - declares Jesus to have been righteous. What happened?
The crowds, chanting for his blood not many hours ago, beat their chests for what they’ve just seen. What happened?
It seems like this is one of those scenes in the Bible that carries a significant amount of weight not capable of being told very well in words.
But something happened.
Something happened when Jesus died on the cross.
Luke 23:44-56
It was now about noon, and darkness covered the whole earth until about three o’clock, while the sun stopped shining. Then the curtain in the sanctuary tore down the middle. Crying out in a loud voice, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I entrust my life.” After he said this, he breathed for the last time.
When the centurion saw what happened, he praised God, saying, “It’s really true: this man was righteous.” All the crowds who had come together to see this event returned to their homes beating their chests after seeing what had happened. And everyone who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance observing these things.
Now there was a man named Joseph who was a member of the council. He was a good and righteous man. He hadn’t agreed with the plan and actions of the council. He was from the Jewish city of Arimathea and eagerly anticipated God’s kingdom. This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid it in a tomb carved out of the rock, in which no one had ever been buried. It was the Preparation Day for the Sabbath, and the Sabbath was quickly approaching. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph. They saw the tomb and how Jesus’ body was laid in it, then they went away and prepared fragrant spices and perfumed oils. They rested on the Sabbath, in keeping with the commandment.
Hebrews 12:1-2
So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
Prayer
God,
I don’t completely understand all that happened on the cross. I believe that Jesus’ death is salvific for the entirety of creation. I believe he is your son. I believe he was the right guy for that moment, even if I’m not sure all that means. I know that for such a man - loving and forgiving and healing and miracle-working - to die is something else. I believe that his resurrection soon thereafter broke open new life out of death.
I’m sure I’ll come across things I don’t understand today. I’d like to understand everything, Lord, though I’m sure that’s unrealistic. But help me begin to understand nonetheless.
And when I just can’t understand, help me to continue to trust that love is good, and you are love.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.