I Am One Of Them

There is more than one way to lose track of the calendar. For example, I have one of those date books that functions for me as my memory. So imagine the panic that ensued when one day, I placed it on top of my car, immediately forgot it was there and took off down a NJ highway. It took me a minute to realize why I saw nothing but flying papers in my rearview mirror.

Well, despite the way it might sound, I haven’t lost track of the calendar. I know that Easter is just days away.  But my mind is still on Palm Sunday – specifically, on something that happened during Sunday service.

When it came time for the Gospel reading, we all stood and followed along as the entire passion narrative from Luke was read. Several people played different parts, including us, the congregation as a whole.  The priest read the words of Jesus.  Someone else was the narrator, and someone else played Peter’s part. We in the congregation were the voices of the crowd.

This was a simple moment, but it was one of those powerful times where head knowledge and heart knowledge connected in a new and even shocking way.  I know the passion story about as well as anybody, and I understand that it was my sins among others that were the reason for Jesus coming and hanging on the cross. I know He did it willingly, but I am also aware that I put Him there. At least, I know this in my head.

But what drove it home that morning in a powerful way was to hear the whole congregation yell for Barabbas to be released, and for Jesus to be put to death.  To hear us mock Him mercilessly.  And most especially, to hear my own voice cry out “Crucify Him!”  Me, a friend of Jesus.  “CRUCIFY HIM!”

It’s hard to fully communicate how this hit me. On the surface, I felt a huge disconnect between the words coming out of my mouth and knowing where I now stand with God.  But on a deeper level, it drove home my incredible sinfulness, knowing that before I gave my life to Christ I would clearly have been one of those people screaming for his death. I am, or was, no different than they were.  I would have wanted his head. Maybe for just the entertainment (there’s nothing quite like a good crucifixion), or maybe because I saw Him as a genuine threat to society and wanted Him gone. Regardless, I would have been there, demanding that He be nailed to a tree. “Crucify Him!”

But the next thought I had was “And yet, He did this for me.”

Colossians 1:21-22 reminds us of this: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

I scream for His crucifixion. But Jesus stretches out His hands and says "It doesn't matter. I love you and want you with Me forever. That's why I am here on the cross." 

And, the best is yet to come. Have an amazing Easter.