whatever we throw at him
A Pilgrimage to the Cross
Walking through Lent with Jesus
Thursday 21st April
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.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
Luke 23:35-39
If truth doesn’t fit into our worldview, we try our best to neutralize it. Sometimes this is by direct confrontation, as Herod and Pilate tried. This is the stuff of playground battles- ‘My Dad’s car is better than your Dad’s.’ But it doesn’t stay in the playground: ‘My sunglasses are a better brand than yours.’ ; ‘Your theology is mistaken- you are too liberal/too conservative/ too radical/ too reformed.’
If argument doesn’t work, then mockery is another strategy. And it’s so easy to do with the ridiculous story of a god who lets his son get killed. Who can take that seriously, in a world that values strength, courage, power and victory?
Listen carefully to what Jesus says in his defence………
Nothing.
He took it- all of it. He can take whatever we throw at him- anger, disbelief, hurt, resentment, mockery. And he offers us in return, forgiveness.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 23: 34
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