The cross makes you think of what Jesus went through to redeem the lost. He endured humiliation, suffering, and death so that our sins could be forgiven. It makes you think about some of the inconveniences we go through that we make a big deal over. As the crowds were yelling, “Crucify Him,” Jesus remained silent. An innocent man being convicted of a crime He didn’t commit.
John 19:6
“So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.”
Exposed Their Hearts
The crucifixion shows you how far man will go to have their way. The spiritual leaders were obsessed with eliminating Jesus to hold on to their power and influence. Jesus exposed their hearts by His ministry, and He had to be removed. Even Pilate, who was ungodly as they come, saw the innocence of Jesus and His opponents’ jealousy. Not much has changed today. Those opposed to Jesus want to eradicate any influence His followers have on society. They may not yell “crucify,” but they are still trying to cancel His church.
Sobering Truth
It’s a sobering truth when we realize we can’t love everyone into the Kingdom of God. Christians have this mentality that if they are just nice to everyone, they will see the love of Jesus and follow Him. While we are called to be kind (different from nice) and live at peace with others, we have to understand that the world is at war with the church. There are even people within the church who are dead set against its mission. As the church, we need to be focused on the mission of preaching the Gospel and making disciples.
Convicted of a Crime He Didn’t Commit
As they yelled, “Crucify Him!” Jesus remained silent. He wasn’t concerned with what others thought or said but with the mission, His Father had given Him. He needed to go to the cross to pay the price for our sins. There was no other option, and He willingly laid down His life. The world can scream and do whatever they want. God’s purposes won’t be denied.