love = cross
To understand love, is to understand the events on Calvary. The crucifixion is one of the most unbelievable, selfless display of love. Jesus carried all of what we have, and will deal with, and dabble in, and left it at the cross for us. As you read the following scripture, I want you to get into the posture of remembrance. Put yourself in the position of a bystander watching Jesus carry it all, and then put yourself in the position of Jesus [not saying you are Jesus].
Mark 15:22-38 AMP
The Crucifixion
“Then they brought Him to the place [called] Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh [to dull the pain], but He would not take it. And they crucified Him, and divided up His clothes among themselves, casting lots for them to see who should take what. It was the third hour (9:00 a.m.) when they crucified Him. The inscription of the accusation against Him had been written [above Him]: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. [ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was counted with the transgressors.” ] Those who were passing by were insulting Him with abusive and insolent language, wagging their heads [as a sign of contempt], and saying, “Ha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in [only] three days, save Yourself by coming down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were ridiculing and mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others [from death]; He cannot save Himself! Let the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe and trust [in Him]!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
When the sixth hour (noon) came, darkness covered the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.). And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “E LOI, E LOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” —which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Some of the bystanders heard Him and said, “Look! He is calling for Elijah!” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah is coming to take Him down.” But Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed out His last [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan]. And the veil [of the Holy of Holies] of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last [being fully in control], he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!””
Wow! We as believers forget what Jesus has done for us, because how we show love doesn't reflect our remembrance on Calvary. I am sure you felt all types emotions on both ends. From the position of a bystander, it would be so hard to watch Jesus endure all of that. To hear the insults and see the faces of the people would be something within itself, but to be in the position of Jesus...MY GOD!
Let's discuss.
Position of a bystander:
As a bystander, you are present for the event or incident, but you do not take part in any parts of it. Standing and watching Jesus, struggle as He takes every step to the cross and hearing all the insults, I would feel all sorts of emotions. From sad to furious. It's normal to feel that way, but Holy Spirit made me look at it in a different way, that surprisingly, made me feel overwhelming loved and thought about. Crazy right? I know. Let me explain...
Every step Jesus took was a step for me, you, them over there, him, her, the ones that believe and the ones that don't...yet. Yup, even the ones insulting Him at that very moment. Jesus knew, if He continued, so would we and turn from our wicked ways [2 Chronicles 7:14 AMP]. Jesus knew they would reject you just like they did Him [Luke 10:16 AMP], but one day someone would show up and really see you. Jesus took a step.
Jesus knew you would have that knife, pills, or gun, then "something" would tell you, "It's not worth it." Jesus gains some strength and takes another step. Jesus knew you and I didn't want to continue, but someone [we don't know] comes and encourages us. Jesus took a step.
Position of Jesus:
Up to the point of the crucifixion, Jesus had been beaten and insulted continuously. I'm sure if you name it, Jesus endured it, but He kept going because He knew what had to be fulfilled: Jesus came to save the sinner [1 Timothy 1:15-17 AMP]. Yup, Jesus loves us just that much to die for sins we have yet to commit.
Holy Spirit also had me view the position of Jesus in a different way as well. The big picture of Jesus's position is the tomb. Jesus died and then rose. Calvary wasn't the point, the tomb was [Luke 24:1-12 AMP]. As I stated previously, Jesus came to save the sinner. Even if it looked crazy to some, Jesus knew what was to come. The tomb represents defeat. The defeating of sin. Jesus defeating what seems to be impossible that man could never. Jesus demonstrated that He is the I am that I am. The King of kings, and the Lord or lords.
