As we draw closer to Holy Week and the services of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and of course Easter, I want to invite us to begin our month of April with a reflection on Jesus’ death. I realize that an Easter article might be more cheery, but without the cross, there is no Easter.

 

For century upon century, theologians have been asking “why did Jesus die?” It’s a question aimed at what we call “atonement theory.” Atonement theories explore the nuance of why Jesus had to die. Again and again in the Gospels, we read about it being a fulfillment of prophecy, or as John the Baptist proclaims, Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Atonement theory acknowledges that the crucifixion seemed to be part of God’s plan, but “why?”

 

But I’ve always wondered if we were asking the wrong question (why?). Would we be better off with a different question: “Look! See how he died?”

 

I heard a pastor say, about the crucifixion, that, whether or not Jesus crucifixion was part of God’s plan, it was inevitable. In other words, there is absolutely no way in this world that Jesus could teach about a new kingdom, demand justice for the “other,” and throw a wrench in the works of the status quo, and get away with it. What Jesus did, no matter how right it was in hindsight, meant that he’d be crucified. If it was God’s plan, then it was perfectly put into motion!

 

This perspective invites us to move away from the question of “why?” An answer to that becomes quite evident: there was no way he was going to do what he did and say what he said and get away with it! So, let’s try a different question: “Look! See how he died?”

 

Jesus, the incarnation of God, so deeply in love with this world and God’s own creation, was determined for us to know the depths of God’s love that he was willing to face the consequences of such love, however unjust they would be.

 

Look! See how he died?

 

Jesus, so set on conveying the possibility of God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven, he spread his arms, accepted the thorns, endured the nails, and suffered on the cross that we might know the depths of grace.

 

Look! See how he died?

 

Jesus, God’s very self, was willing to go from the cross to the grave so that we might understand that what seems so final on this earth has no sting, no hold, no grip on us. Death is swallowed up in victory.

 

Look! See how he died? And now…see how he rises?

 

Peace,

Pastor Brian