It seems almost surreal to be reading about Jesus’ final hours when Christmas lights are already twinkling in houses around the neighborhood. However, it never goes out of style to remember and celebrate God’s love and how it was displayed as Jesus was nailed to the cross, died, and was buried.
Mark’s account of these events focuses on some interesting elements involving some unlikely characters. We see Simon, a passerby, a Roman guard, and Joseph, a member of the high council. Each had a profound role to play in Jesus’ final hours. Let’s unpack what we can learn from them.
Simon was from the country, chosen to have the distinct honor of carrying Jesus’ cross. Jesus had been extremely weakened from all the torture leading up to this. The relief of having someone take the weight of the cross from him must have been immense. What a practical detail to record in this story! What do you think Simon was thinking?
Another surprising character was the Roman officer. His revelation can catch us off guard. After witnessing Jesus’ death, he said, “This man truly was the Son of God!” Something magnificent must have struck the officer to declare so boldly. Even in death, Jesus was changing lives. I wonder if that Roman officer did after proclaiming such a statement of faith.
God can and will use whoever he likes for his purposes. The final surprise involves Joseph, a respected member of the high council, that is, one of the religious leaders who had planned Jesus’ death. Joseph wanted Jesus’ body. Do you think Pilate wondered why? It seems Pilate was more surprised that Jesus had died so soon. It seems Joseph wasn’t afraid when he “took a risk.” Do you think Joseph had been secretly following Jesus all along?
No matter who was involved in these final moments, what echoes in my head are Jesus’ cries to God, lamenting his aloneness. If Jesus himself can feel abandoned by God, it makes sense when we feel like God is far away. Was Jesus really alone? Did God separate Himself from Jesus in those final moments? Or was Jesus’ humanity interfering with feeling his divineness? No matter, Jesus can identify with our times of desperation.
Take some time today to sit with the truth of what Jesus did that day for you and me. Our hearts should overflow with gratitude. It’s hard for us to picture the brutality and inhumane death sentence Jesus faced. If only there had been another way to rescue humanity.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, my heart does overflow with gratitude for what you have done for me. My soul cries out with yours in times of desperation, yet I know you are always close by my side. Forgive me when I forget or try to solve things without seeking your counsel. Thank you for the faithful ones who stood by you in your hour of need. Equip me to be strong for others who are walking through adversity. Use me as your hands and feet, oh Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
