There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
As a Christian I think of Jesus as the most important person in history. He is, after all, the critical link between God, man’s creator, and man, the creation. Jesus is the Son of God. He was present at the creation of the world and was the means of creation. We owe everything that exists to this one Being.
It would seem appropriate that if the Son of God were to be crucified, it would be a Big Deal. The eyes of all the world would be focused on that moment. Mankind, in all its glory, is now going to crucify its’ creator.
Uh… no.
It wasn’t like that.
There was nothing special going on that day. Just another crucifixion. Two other men were crucified that day as well.
It was more like taking out the garbage.
The “garbage” was hung on a pole alongside the road for all to see. A warning to other would-be ne’er-do-wells. People walking along that road might turn their heads away in disgust. Others might be attracted to the sight, looking and jeering. After all, they didn’t have TV back in Jesus’ day. Watching someone die might be considered entertaining.
But Jesus was not treated any different than any other criminal that had died along that road. He was just another body on just another cross slowly dying in the heat of the desert sun.
Application: In this verse we get a sense of the depth of abandonment Jesus experienced. He was less than special. He was completely ignored by the world. Just another body on a pole, being put to death for who-knows-what bad thing he did. Ignored by all but a very few who actually knew who he was. When our efforts to do good in this world seem ignored and unnoticed, it is helpful to remember that the most amazingly good thing that was ever done for you and me was done in total ignominy.
Food for Thought: Take a few minutes and read through the entire Gospel of John. At what point in the story do you ever think it will end up like this? How does this scene add to your understanding of Christ’s humility?
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The signs are there early on in the book. 1:11 says “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John the Baptist exclaims in 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God, which take the away the sin of the world.” He tells Nicodemus in 3:14, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” More clues are found later…in 7:7 Jesus says, The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that works thereof are evil.” He says in 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” On several occasions He tells the disciples that He must leave them and go to His Father. This question is a hard one for me to answer, as my godly parents made sure that I knew the gospel story before I could read. I know that, while all the signs were there, the disciples certainly had a hard time (see Thomas’ response in 20:25) putting it all together until after His post resurrection teachings. The greatest man to ever live is also the most humble.
Amen JEC. I can’t say it any better. That is a great summation!
While Jesus’ death was not special to His creation, it did save His creation and no doubt He eventually heard, “Well done my Son.”
Thank you both! I agree, JEC, your summary is excellent! While writing this post I found myself seeing Jesus in a different light. Perhaps I understand a bit better what humility is and how real the humility of Christ is.