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Reverent Remembrance

By Zac Rowe

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled . . . –John 19:36 (ESV)

In the early spring of 2004, movie theaters across the country were filling up with people from all walks of life. CEOs and celebrities filed in next to teachers and teenagers, each of them eager to take their seats and see the highly anticipated new film The Passion of the Christ. The crowds came not only for a theatrical experience but a spiritual one. I remember the holy hush that fell as the lights dimmed; the shock and tears at seeing such a graphic depiction of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the screen. As the events of John 19 lit up dark theaters across the world, our rightful response was reverent remembrance.

Before any biblical scholars or movie critics jump in with their points of contention, let’s not get caught up in the details here. This entry in our devotional is not intended to spark any fiery debate about the film. Today, we’re not going to rely on Mel Gibson’s depiction of John 19. Let’s instead ask the Holy Spirit to take us on a sacred journey of remembrance.

John 19 opens on a gruesome scene. Can you see Him there? The Son of God is covered in blood and sweat, His frame exposed as He crouches on the ground. The flogging He has just endured is the maximum punishment allowed by the law: 39 lashes from a whip lined with bone and glass. His heavy breathing can be heard by those close by as the One who has never known sin raises His face again, revealing bruises from the blows He’s received. One of the soldiers pushes through the crowd, revealing a crown of thick thorns he’s twisted together. In a mockery of Jesus’ deserved royalty, the brutal crown is pushed onto the head of the One who bleeds for their salvation. As they toss a purple robe on His back, they shout and slap His face with sneers of evil glee.

Pilate, a Roman authority, walks onto the scene to oversee the proceedings. In defiant opposition of his own ruling in this matter, the Jewish leaders gathered below his balcony seem fixated on one outcome this day: “Crucify! Crucify!” In truth, Pilate had been shocked when he asked Jesus to provide His own defense and was instead met with a silent stare so intense it seemed the Man saw his every thought. Pilate snaps his mind back into the moment at hand. Turning to face those gathered, he shouts, “Behold, your King!” This only incites the crowd to a greater volume and more violence. What else can Pilate do? He knows not that he is living out the fulfillment of prophecy and that each of these things has already been written. Ordering a bowl of water to be brought, he washes his hands of the innocent blood being shed and turns the King of kings over to be crucified.

Soldiers and citizens alike gather around the mangled body of Jesus as they force Him to carry the heavy cross. On the Via Dolorosa (which means “The Way of Grief”), the Man of Sorrows takes one excruciating step after another on the way to fulfill both His purpose and the will of His Father. Arriving at Golgotha, Jesus is stripped of His clothes and stretched out on the cross. Three nails are driven through His hands and feet, but it’s the pure power of His love that holds Him there that day. As He hangs in agony, every vile and disgusting sin from all generations before, present, and yet to come is placed on His blameless shoulders. Becoming the atoning, cleansing, perfect offering, the Lamb of God’s body was pierced, releasing blood that would purchase salvation for all who would believe.

Think about this: As Jesus took those stripes on His back, He was remembering that you and I would be healed. As Jesus hung on the rugged cross, He was remembering that you and I would be forgiven of sin. As Jesus lifted His head and proclaimed, “It is finished!” He was remembering that you and I would one day be with Him in paradise.

As we go about our lives today, let’s return to a place of reverent remembrance of the price Jesus paid for us to be made right with God. Our beautiful Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, we do this in remembrance of You.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. I actively remember what You did on the cross for me. May I follow in the example of obedience to the Father that You displayed as You laid down Your life for the ones You love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

Read John 19 again, and meditate on the price Jesus willingly paid for you to be made right with God. Then thank Him for His loving sacrifice, and seek today to be an example of His love to those around you.

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?