Cross and Nails - Symbol of Humble Submission
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
- Luke 23:33-34a [ESV]
Passage: Luke 23:32-46
Reflection
Jesus came to save the world and give people full life. In fact, Jesus made the audacious claim He is the only way to salvation and experiencing full life (Luke 19:10, John 3:16, John 10:9-10). And yet, despite Jesus’ sacrificial and loving life, Jesus is brought before a crowd of angry religious leaders accusing Him of misleading the nation (Luke 23:2). The religious leaders, refusing to simmer down, demand that Jesus be crucified. Subsequently, Jesus and two others were led up to where they were crucified. Although sinless, He is punished as a criminal, crucified in the middle of two other criminals. It is with nails in His hands and feet that we read the following jaw-dropping and earth-shattering words: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Despite these words, the soldiers continue to mock Him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” Jesus had previously claimed that in a single moment, He could have twelve legions of angels at His disposal for His personal protection (Matthew 26:53). And yet, because He loved us, our savior stayed on the cross, giving no defense, forgiving His murderers so that we could be saved. Jesus was not occupied with convincing others of His power, justifying all His actions, proving that He was right. In fact, although He had all the power in the world to justify Himself to those wrongfully accusing Him, the only words He uttered were forgiveness.
Application
My time at CCU has been an immensely transformational season of my life. My years here have been some of the best of my life. But it has not come without its hardships. Being surrounded by followers of Christ 24/7 comes with its challenges. Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). A temptation that comes with living in a Christian community can be to outshine each other with good deeds or theological knowledge. In my time here I have had to learn that if Jesus, the Son of God, was not dead set on convincing everyone of His power and position, then it is most certainly not my job to convince others of my knowledge, power, or good deeds. However, it is my job to proclaim Christ’s salvation and lordship to all in preparation for His return.