Grace to you and peace… from Jesus Christ… the ruler of kings on earth. (Revelation 1.5c)
The way of the cross is excruciating. Every year men, women and children across the world remember the journey Christ made to the cross. We remember how He was spit upon. We remember how they jeered and cursed His name. We remember how He was beaten and whipped, mocked and tormented. On the way to the hill where He was crucified, with the cross heavy on His torn shoulder He was bruised for our transgressions, crushed beneath the weight of our guilt. Above His head, swollen and discolored, hung the inditement of His crime: King of the Jews. He died a rejected king.
As people we don’t sit well with grief. We want to rush through the pain to resolution, from the broken moment into the victory. Jesus on the cross is too painful for us to sit with for long. But as Good Friday looms on the horizon, as the hours of this night will lead Jesus from the table with His disciples to the crucifixion in the morning, may we choose to walk Mary and Salome and the nameless ones. May we weep with the women at the foot of the cross.
Yes, we know the end of the story. We know the resurrection is on its way. We know that the Easter sun will chase away the overcast skies of the crucifixion. We know that Jesus is more than just the King of God’s chosen people! We know that with His resurrection Jesus’ rule opened the pathways of the world to His throne. No emperor or dictator is His rival. No president or chancellor His equal. Jesus’ reign is extended over all the kings on earth. In death and resurrection He proclaims a new, everlasting Kingdom to all peoples. We have been saved for more than salvation! We have been redeemed for purpose, for life, for a transformed obedience as a Kingdom of priests.
May we see the face of King Jesus, today, on the way to the cross.
Jesus, thank you for enduring all for the sake of my soul, the sake of my life, redeemed in your love and transformed in your sovereignty. Give me strength to walk with you and carry this cross.