A few years ago, I was studying the groups gathered around the cross of Christ for a message during the Easter Season. The writers of the Gospels give us a glimpse of those gathered there and their reactions.
John 19:25: “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene.”
Luke 23:27: “A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.”
All the Gospels identify the Roman Soldiers, the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus and the Roman Centurion (who would later call Jesus “the Son of God.”) [Mark 15:39]
Matthew 27:41: “In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.”
John 19:21: “The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him.”
And John reminds us that he also was there. [John 19:26-27]
There were many differing people and many different reactions around that cross. Some were mocking, sneering, and calling out insults. Others may have been there to see the “show.” And some – the ones who loved Him – were sorrowing, crying, and mourning.
I still remember that as I was studying, I heard the LORD say to me, “Don’t be so sure you would have been in the group that was shedding tears.”
And I realized (stunned!) – I could have been, maybe would have been – one of those mocking and sneering.
Because … it is only by the grace obtained and given by Christ Jesus through His death and resurrection that my heart has been made tender and grateful.
Good Friday—a Good Day to reflect on that.
