
I cannot help but wonder what was occupying Jesus’ mind during this pivotal week; His last week walking this earth before offering Himself as our sacrificial lamb. He knew what was ahead for Him. He knew before time itself. He knew His sole purpose was to suffer and die for our sins. He knew as He grew from a boy into a man what His purpose, His destiny, was. And yet He came.
He did not have to. But He did.
Before creation itself, the plan for our salvation was in place. Jesus would come to this earth, born of a virgin, fully human and fully God. As God the plan was crystal clear, but what about the human part of our Savior? I can only imagine what this last week must have been like for Him.
He did not have to. But He did.
Anywhere along the line Jesus could have said, no. He did not have to ride into Jerusalem on the back of the donkey to the shouts of Hosanna and elation. He didn’t have to place Himself directly in the Chief-Priests’ and Pharisees’ line-of-fire. He could have changed course at any time and traveled to another town. But He did not.
Jesus did not have to allow Himself to be arrested. But He did. He did not have to submit Himself to the torment and humiliation of the mock-trial, the beatings, the curses, the betrayal; He did not have to grieve as He listened to the very people, who only days before had shouted, “Hosanna, Hosanna!” and now were shouting, “Crucify him!” But He did.
Jesus was beat to within an inch of His life. Scripture says He no longer looked human. Isaiah 52:14 “Just as there were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness.” Jesus was whipped 39 times with a whip called a cat-of-nine-tails; his flesh was literally torn from his bones, muscles and possibly organs exposed. Pilot set the punishment at 39 lashes because most victims died from 40 lashes. Jesus did not have to endure this torture. But He did.
And then there was the cross!
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?!” Jesus cried out. God can’t look at sin, He cannot! This meant God could not look at Jesus. God turned His back, not because He did not love His son, but because He hates sin. For the first time in eternity Jesus felt alone, truly alone. Abandoned.
He did not have to do any of this. But He did.
Anywhere along the line Jesus could have said, NO! With one word He could have called down a legion of angels to rescue Him. With a wave of His hand, He could have caused the Roman soldiers to fall to their faces. He could have simply walked away. But He did not.
May you have a blessed Good Friday and a Glorious Resurrection Day!