By: Donna Clark
Being the Easter season, I felt it fitting to write on the crucifixion, to remind all of us who say we are believers in the Christ of the most sacrificial price ever paid. I wanted to delve into the pain and humiliation our Savior bore as He gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, to remind myself, and you also, of a love that is so great and deep that we cannot fully understand it. However, I found myself struggling with adequate words to share a story so powerful, the story of a Man who was from God, yet human also. A Man who knowing the future that lay before Him, the plan that His Father had set into place, struggled and sought God asking if there was any other way that humankind could be rescued, could the cup possibly pass from Him. After toiling in prayer till sweat became blood, He concluded with, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” A complete surrender, total humility, and an utmost trust in His Father.
And there were His students. So much had been taught to them, yet they still didn’t fully understand. His love for them was great, yet one betrayed Him and one denied Him. Here is a King, taking the role of a servant, washing the feet of those who sat around the table with Him at Passover. He asks them to eat the bread representing His body and drink the wine representing His blood. Then the announcement, “I am leaving and where I am going you cannot go with Me.” The thoughts came. Are we to be left alone? So much has been given and sacrificed, and now the Rabbi is leaving us? What about the Kingdom He spoke of that was to come? Questions flooded their minds, and knowing their thoughts, He assured each of them that He would send the Comforter to guide and direct them. He left a promise that each of them would do greater things than Him because He was returning to His Father. A lot to process for these disciples. We read the story today and we understand, but the struggle with what their future would become was very real. If I were one at the table that night, I’m sure I would not have understood either. Questions, doubts, fears would have invaded my mind also.
Jesus carried out the Father’s plan. He submitted Himself to the humiliation and pain of a death that was intended for the worst offenders, perfected by the Romans as the ultimate execution by torture. But more than the physical pain He endured, my mind goes to the guilt, shame, and mental agony that He willingly submitted Himself to. Of all the sins I can think of, the most gross to the least infraction, Jesus took each of them upon Himself, faced death, and purchased forgiveness for all the failures we have ever committed, great and small. What a high price paid in order for us to receive such great love. Six hours on a wooden cross enduring excruciating pain, giving up His Spirit, finally surrendering to death. But the story doesn’t end there. A visit to the tomb confirmed it. The women had found it empty. “Where is our Lord?” they asked. The angelic figure who appeared reminded them of His words, “He is not here. He has risen, just as He said.”
“The Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many people” (Mark 10:45). “The Son of Man came to find those who were lost and to save them” (Luke 19:9). Maybe this is why I found it so difficult to write about the crucifixion itself, the horrid death. Yes, Jesus came, ministered for 3 years, and then died on a cross, a sinner’s death. He was buried, but He rose again. Today He is fully alive.
He left Heaven to be among the people and to be the perfect sacrifice for all sins. If this was the calling for Christ, what is the calling of His followers? Shouldn’t it be our daily aim to follow Him? Shouldn’t we humble ourselves to the plan that He has set for us?
Following in His steps will lead us many places. Some of us will walk among the sick. Others will walk among the needy. Others will show compassion for those who are broken. Some will show forgiveness. Some will teach and pray and others will worship. But the calling doesn’t stop there; it’s never ending. And only by staying at the foot of the cross, where this great act of love was shown, will we find ourselves becoming the student, learning of Him and His ways. He walked the path of service, calmed the storm, fed the hungry. With Him as our example, He is the one to be fixated upon. He deserves a heart that is looking to Him, following in His steps. Not our will but His be done; He’s worthy of the sacrifice and commitment we give. To be fully alive in Him, there is nothing greater.
By: Donna Clark
April 18, 2025
