Reading: The Cross of Christ pg. 58-65
Even my close friend in whom I trusted,
who late my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
Psalm 41.9
We have to look at three individuals-Pilate, Caiaphas and Judas-on whom the evangelists fasten the major blame for the crucifixion of Jesus, and at those associated with them, whether priests or people, or soldiers. Of each person or group the same verb is used, paradidomi, to ‘hand over’ or ‘betray’. | Stott pg. 61
More important still, we ourselves are also guilty. If we were in their place, we would have done what they did. Indeed we have done it. For whenever we turn away from Christ, we ‘are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace’ (Hebrews 6:6) We too sacrifice Jesus to our greed like Judas, to our envy like the priests, to our ambition like Pilate. | Stott pg. 63
It’s easy for us to picture ourselves as faithful disciples who would stand by Jesus, but at some point they all left Him. What times are you willing to betray Him, either with your words or actions?
Twas I that shed the sacred blood; I nailed him to the tree;
I crucified the Christ of God; I joined the mockery.
Of all that shouting multitude I feel that I am one;
And in that din of voices rude I recognize my own.
Around the cross the throng I see,
Mocking the Sufferer’s groan;
Yet still my voice it seems to be,
As if I mocked Alone.
-Horatius Bonar