At the foot of the cross

"The people stood there and watched." Luke 23. 35

At that time a crucifixion was a spectacle ; the slow agony of men nailed by the hands and feet on a cross attracted the crowds. That day even more than usual, because one of the three crucified people, the one in the middle, is very well known : it is the famous Jesus, the one who has done so many miracles, who said such sweet words, who showed so much compassion. Faced with the central cross erected in Golgotha, people react in different ways. Let's see them in Luke 23. 33-56.

- Curious : "The people stood there and looked" (v. 35). They express no emotion, although they may have known its benefits and saluted a few days earlier as the Messiah at his triumphal entry.

- Mockers : "The chiefs on the other hand mocked him ... the soldiers also made fun of him" (v.35, 36). They have no feeling for Jesus, their hearts are not touched; they run to eternal perdition.

- One convinced : "The centurion glorified God saying : in truth this man was just" (v.47). He had never heard such words or seen such things ; his heart is touched.

- Supporters : "the crowds ... were turning around and beating their chests" (v. 48). The emotion is at its height, but what will remain of it ?

- Friends and family : "All of his acquaintance stood at a distance, as were the women who had accompanied him from Galilee and saw it" (v. 49). They look away from this unique scene in the history of the world, unable to probe its intensity and to grasp the meaning.

- Women always ready to serve : "They returned and prepared herbs and perfumes" (v. 56). They serve the Master again after his death! They will be the first at the tomb.

- A good and just man, Joseph who "wrapped him in a shroud and put him in a tomb cut in the rock" (v. 53). He puts himself at the service of the Master, gives a share of his property by offering his own tomb ; so Jesus "was with the rich in his death" (Isa 53, 9)

Each individual must ask : in which category am I ? It's a vital question !

Every believer, although saved, must also ask himself : Am I a real witness ? Am I in the service of the Master ? Do I put my goods to his service ?

Source (Pleasing the Lord)