Matthew 27

ScriptureMatthew 27:39-43³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Observation Chapter 27 lays out the aftermath of Judas’ betrayal…Judas returns the money and hangs himself.  Jesus is in the hands of those that want to crucify him.  Pilate attempts to have Jesus cleared at the prompting of his wife, but to no avail.  The soldiers mock Him and beat Him as they prepare Him for his crucifixion and now Jesus hangs on the cross…where the people continue to mock, hurl insults at and challenge Him.UnderstandingDespite how many times I’ve read and heard this part of Christ’s story, it still hurts my heart.  As I read it again, it’s as if reading a book or watching a movie…seeing the injustice and wanting a hero to come intervene!  In a movie/show script or a comic book, in the midst of the mocking, this is where God’s big entrance would be.  Jesus seems destined for death, but God jumps in and saves the day, bringing justice in the moment…but that’s now how THIS story goes.  And, oddly enough, it’s the lack of intervention that makes Jesus the “hero” for generations to come.Had God “shown up” in this moment, the physical body of Jesus would have been “saved” and, perhaps, a few souls would be turned to God or have faith renewed; but the souls of generations would have been lost.  This part of the story was necessary to bridge the gap between our human sinfulness and eternity in heaven. I am filled with gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus bore for my sins. I am in awe at the amount of love shown in Jesus dying on the cross for the people that followed; before we were even a thought in the human realm, God orchestrated the restoration of our souls to relationship with Him.“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” – John 6:47God’s got the big picture in mind and is always at work in the details.If we just looked at this part of Christ’s story in the moment, it might be easy to miss the big picture.  It appears that Jesus is betrayed, mocked and left for dead.  Perhaps, in the moment, we could think God had abandoned Jesus or our focus could remain on the injustice of the situation.  But God’s thoughts are bigger than ours and He’s got the big picture in mind ALWAYS.  He knew this heartbreaking injustice was for the greater good for those who would follow and choose to believe. Life ApplicationGod, I’m so grateful that you are bigger and greater than any human circumstance or situation.  I’m grateful for your love for me, poured out so generously on the cross.  May I remain grateful and honor that sacrifice in the way I live life out.  Also, if there are situations on my life that seem dead or hopeless, may I remember that you have the power to resurrect and heal.  May I trust you in the process – through the good and the not so great – knowing that you will never leave or forsake me.  And, knowing that, may I love you with my WHOLE heart! <3In your name, I pray.  Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei