This week’s devotion is based on Cross Examined Week 5 – “Why Kill Him?” (CLICK HERE TO WATCH)
Forced? Willing?
Consider this morning these two portions of Jesus’ passion history.
First in the Garden of Gethsemane:
John 18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Second the crucifixion on Golgotha:
John 19:16-18 So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
What do you notice about these two encounters with the enemies of Jesus.
The first was comprised of the Jewish leaders, the second of the Roman soldiers. That is one difference, but not the primary one to notice.
Here’s what I notice.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Judas and the religious officials come for Jesus, as soon as Jesus identifies himself as Jesus, the whole group fell to the ground. Did they stumble? Nope. Were they all just clumsy? Nope. The power of God was shown and put them on their backside. Jesus and his disciples could have walked away.
On the mount of crucifixion, the soldiers remained upright. Jesus was hung on the cross. The legions of angels stood at the ready, but Jesus never issued the order for them to push the soldiers aside and allow Jesus to walk free.
Jesus could have. He was God. He had the angels ready at his command.
But he didn’t.
This is what stands out to me.
Jesus chose to be crucified.
CHOSE it!
John 10:17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Jesus was not victim to the Judas’ betrayal. Jesus was not helpless against the false charges of the Sanhedrin. Jesus was not powerless against the Roman politician Pilate.
The power Jesus had was on full display.
John 19:10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
Power is often exhibited by what it does. We see the results of dynamite. We see the results of a stronger athletic team.
But sometimes the greatest power is shown when one has it and chooses not to use it.
It would have been easier for Jesus to show his power and walk away. The Sanhedrin could do nothing about it. The Roman soldiers couldn’t stop him.
But he chose to show his power by not using it and allowing them to kill him.
Why?
Because he loves you.
Apply: What part of Jesus’ passion stand out to you as the greatest act of love for you?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for using your power to allow yourself to be killed on the cross for my sins and bring me certainty of forgiveness and salvation. AMEN.