Luke presents very little of the actual passion of Jesus. He does not focus on Jesus on the cross but rather on the reactions around. The women are in tears feeling sorry for Jesus while the rest of the crowd just watches. The rulers, soldiers and even a criminal all mock and insult him.
Yet Luke always shows us both sides. The women are taught by Jesus that this is not the worst that is to come; they need better vision. The crowd, soldiers and rulers get no response from Jesus; that will come with his resurrection. One criminal is rebuttaled by the other. The second is approved of Jesus and blessed.
Luke seems as concerned with perceptions as with the event. How the event is interpretted is critical. So how do I interpret the life and sacrifice of Jesus? Do I have spiritual myopia like the women and do not really understand? Do I stand with the crowd in silence, not taking action either way? Do I call myself educated or powerful and mock him in disdain? Am I a fool, outcast in one life and condemning myself for the next? Or do I really see who this man is and submit to him?
Showing posts with label crowds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crowds. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Luke 23:1-25; Insurrection
The words insurrection and rebellion show up multiple times in this section. Jesus is accused of insurrection. Pilot questions him about it. Barabbas was convicted of it. But to be honest, it was the crowd that committed it.
How must Jesus have felt letting the events unfold? What must it have been like to be accused of a crime that you did not commit by a crowd that was in the process of committing it? As the mob took shape and organized around a theme, I wonder what went through his mind?
No matter what goes wrong today, I'm doubt I will be attacked by a rebellious mob that accuses me of rebellion. Since he held his tongue under such adverse conditions, maybe today I can hold mine under lesser ones.
How must Jesus have felt letting the events unfold? What must it have been like to be accused of a crime that you did not commit by a crowd that was in the process of committing it? As the mob took shape and organized around a theme, I wonder what went through his mind?
No matter what goes wrong today, I'm doubt I will be attacked by a rebellious mob that accuses me of rebellion. Since he held his tongue under such adverse conditions, maybe today I can hold mine under lesser ones.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Luke 14:25-35; All or none
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus and received the shock of their lives. Rather than praise for beginning a long journey or dedication up to that point, Jesus called them to follow only if they were willing to dedicate themselves 100% to his work. All or none was the call. He was marching to his death and called them to do the same.
Jesus doesn't sound very touchy-feely in this passage. Those who love the picture of Jesus holding the sheep or the anemic Jesus loving up on children must struggle with this picture of him, i.e., marching to sure death and telling everyone around him that they need to do the same or go home.
In a world looking for purpose, Jesus calls us to living out his purpose. He calls us not to be good people but to be dedicated fanatics. He calls us not to a better life but to a cross. He calls us not to a Sunday facade but to a daily death.
Jesus doesn't sound very touchy-feely in this passage. Those who love the picture of Jesus holding the sheep or the anemic Jesus loving up on children must struggle with this picture of him, i.e., marching to sure death and telling everyone around him that they need to do the same or go home.
In a world looking for purpose, Jesus calls us to living out his purpose. He calls us not to be good people but to be dedicated fanatics. He calls us not to a better life but to a cross. He calls us not to a Sunday facade but to a daily death.
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