The paradox of the cross (1)

"He saved others ; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God ... If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself." Luke 23. 35, 37

In the text of the day, there is much talk of "saving" (v. 35, v. 37, v. 39). The Jews waited for the king announced by the prophets : they relied on him to deliver them from the Romans, just as Moses had delivered them from Egypt. But Jesus came to save His people from their sins (Matt 1. 21), so that the world might be saved by Him (John 3:17). He had delivered sickness, death, the power of the devil, but not the Romans who colonized the land. This expectation of national liberation was disappointed. In Jewish leaders it turns into hatred and contempt for this "king of Israel". In addition he has severely denounced their blindness doubled hypocrisy. Mark reports the words of the Jewish leaders : "May Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, that we may see and believe" (Mark 15:32). "The leaders, on their side, mocked him" (Luke 23. 35).

"The people stood there and watched" (v. 35) : all social classes are probably represented in this crowd. She passively observes this scene of violence and cruelty, as today onlookers observe a scene of fatal accident.

A sign indicates the identity of the tortured : "Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews" (John 19. 19). The intention was to make fun of him until the moment of his torture; to lower him to the level of a criminal, two criminals are crucified by his side. This panel is yet an involuntary but powerful proclamation of its identity !

Soldiers submitted to their superiors add their mockery. One of the criminals joins this fuss of hatred and contempt.

The torture is atrociously cruel, painful and long. Mockery and insults add to the suffering of the condemned ; but his attitude is surprising : he utters no complaint, no word of anger or revenge. He is still ready to forgive, to save, to take care of his mother, to trust in God ; amazing words of love in such a context of violence and injustice. Could impotence, so much mocked at first sight, manifest anything else ?

Source (Pleasing the Lord)