In the movie, “The Passion of the Christ, the greatest man who ever lived is brutally executed on a cross. In fact, it was literally beyond words to describe; they had to invent a new word: excruciating. Literally, excruciating means ‘out of the cross.’ Think of that: they needed to create a new word because there was nothing in the language that could describe the intense anguish caused during the crucifixion.
In shock and disbelief, repelled by the brutality and suffering, we witness the gruesome crucifixion of Jesus—and our instinct for justice is stirred. We want to shout, “Who did this?” “Who’s to blame for this atrocity?” The endless flogging, the swollen eye, the shredded flesh—all of the horrific violence compels us to demand, “Who is responsible? Surely the guilty party must pay for this!”
Is Satan behind it all? The betrayer Judas? Pilate? The religious leaders? The Roman soldiers? The screaming mob? For that matter, why didn’t the disciples step in and try to stop the madness? A lot of people were involved, and yet the world still debates about who is primarily responsible.
As we examine the list of characters, where do we point our finger of blame? Suspicion and sensitivity run high as we explore the list of potential perpetrators.
Of course, the depiction of Jesus’ death has always created controversy, whether it is told through medieval passion plays or the latest filmmaker’s interpretation. Amazingly, newspapers and television news stations carried stories about the debate over “The Passion of the Christ” months before the film was released. One concern was that the movie—even unintentionally—would focus blame on Jews collectively, vilifying them and encouraging anti-Semitism.
What is the truth behind the death of Jesus? Who are the real culprits? Our sense of justice requires a verdict. Maybe if we expose who is really to blame, we’ll begin to make some sense out of the apparently senseless horror. (Experiencing the Passion of Jesus by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole)
In Acts 2:36, as a multitude of people listen to his sermon, Peter tells the crowd who crucified Jesus. He says, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
The most important moment in a person’s life is when they realize it was their sin that crucified Jesus Christ. This moment happened to me in 1989 when I was twenty-one years old at a FCA meeting on the campus of Florida State University. On my knees in tears, I cried out to God in repentance for my sins. For the first time in my life, I understood the significance of Christ on the cross—His blood purchased my salvation (Revelation 5:9).
On this Good Friday, I am asking you to focus on the significance of Christ on the cross. Remember, your sins crucified the Son of God. My prayer is that this thought would stir in you a passionate commitment to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:36-40).
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
See you Easter Sunday!
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