The Crowd

Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25 (New American Standard Bible)

The crowd that witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was quite diverse. There were the soldiers who had violently abused Him and proceeded to drive the nails in His hands and feet. There were the scorners who mocked Him as He hung on the cross. There were the religious leaders who fought against Him during His three year ministry and had Him crucified because of their jealousy and false accusations. There were the onlookers who hailed Him as King one week and then cried out, “Crucify Him” the following week. There were His followers, disciples, and mother. Some spewed out words of hate while others wept tears of sorrow. Some despised Him while others clung to Him. I wonder where I would have stood in that crowd on that day.

I see a lot of differences that are simply the backdrop to incredible similarities. Jesus died on the cross for EVERY person who was there whether they were His enemy or devoted follower. He didn’t look at some with love and others with hatred. He died for them all and desired that all would come to know Him as Savior. Each was born in sin and possessed a sin nature and Jesus shed His blood for the sin that resulted. No one needed less of His blood shed for them. No one, not even His own mother, stood in their own righteousness before God, because no person is without sin except the One who hung on the cross in sinlessness. Each person, no matter their opinion or relationship to Jesus, was in need of a Savior. They were in need of a substitute. And that aspect has not changed to this day.

I have often heard it said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross and I believe that to be true. As we approach the Easter season which culminates with Resurrection Sunday, we either approach it as ones who have put our faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation or ones who need to. But just as He did on the cross, Jesus looks at each of us with love and a desire to be known. He extends the offer of salvation to ALL. And then He offers intimate relationship from that point on.

It took but a few moments for me to receive Him as my Savior but I will spend my life developing that intimate relationship. Last night found me spending two hours reading the book of John straight through and that experience brought many things to light that I felt I was seeing for the first time. May each day be filled with “I know Him a little better now” moments.

Father, the cross made it possible for me to even call You Father. Thank you for helping me to see the truth about salvation and life! Amen.