GOOD FRIDAY

On that Friday that seemed so bad to his followers, Jesus allowed himself to become a victim. The Almighty One chose helplessness before the puny power of a few soldiers, religious and political leaders. Never has so much available power been so abandoned.  Never has so much potential destruction been restrained. Never has someone been so badly treated yet refused to call for help that was immediately, instantly available.

On this Good Friday we marvel together again at the familiar, tragic, wonderful story. So much to consider; so much that moves us to praise and worship.

The entire story causes us renewed sorrow. But one incident brings at least a wry smile. As Jesus is being arrested Peter, faithful/faithless Peter, pulls out his sword. He swings it wildly in defense of his Master and makes contact with an ear.  We cheer his loyalty and his bravery. But don’t you smile when you see the scene from a heavenly perspective?

Jesus tells Peter to sheath his sword because He needs no protection. (Matthew 26:53) Available in an instant, if Jesus should only ask, are tens of thousands of angels ready and eager to come to his rescue.  A huge army of angels could be unleashed with unimaginable destructive force. We cannot imagine the overwhelming power of even one of these powerful heavenly beings. (See II Kings 19:35; I Chronicles 21:15)

And so I smile at the scene: one puny disciple wildly swinging his tiny sword. While unseen by human eyes, just out of sight, are thousands of  awesome angels eagerly waiting for a command. In a moment they could easily kill those aligned against our Lord. They could easily destroy the human race. Yet they are allowed to do nothing as they watch one tiny sword swung by one tiny human.

Our Lord does not call for help. He demonstrates astounding humility and self-abandonment as He is mocked and challenged to prove that He is the Son of God. Even as He hangs on the cross, miserable little humans like you and me, challenge Him to do the impossible in their eyes: “save yourself. Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God.” Matthew 27:40

Then comes a statement full of truth not at all understood by those who speak it.  “He saved others, but He cannot save himself.” Oh yes! That is  absolutely true! You! Standing around at the foot of the cross don’t understand! You are absolutely, ultimately correct.

He saved; He is saving; He will save others, but only because He chose not to save Himself. He had to choose: save Himself or save others. And so the Lamb of God, Saviour of the world, dies helplessly on the shameful cross. For our sakes, "He cannot save himself".

 “Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me?  Amazing love, I know it’s true; and it’s my joy to honor you; in all I do, I honor you. You are my King. Jesus, you are my King!”