You may think this is a strange topic for a blog, when Christians are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, when Jesus because Incarnate. But I want to reflect in this blog about an event we will be celebrating in April, Easter, starting with the passion of Christ.

We all know the story of Christ’s crucifixion as told in Matthew 27: 33-54. One thought that always goes through my mind is that Pilate, although much maligned, I have always thought of as an unwitting pawn in the crucifixion story. He tried offering an alternative to crucifixion, he tried to reason with Jesus and eventually washed his hands of the whole thing. And, when questioned about the sign above Jesus’s head and told he should have written, “This man said he was king of the Jews,” he answered, “What I have written, I have written.” A fitting epitaph for the King. 

I wonder what people thought when they saw that sign? It seems like crucifixions drew big crowds. And this one probably more so than usual. The Pharisees and high priests were there, maybe to make sure he didn’t somehow come down from the cross, and they were gloating when it became obvious this man was going to die, just like every other “criminal” that was hung on a cross to suffocate. The average onlooker was there, perhaps out of morbid curiosity, perhaps because they were hoping to witness another miracle. Most of his disciples were not there, out of fear! Only John stood with the women at the cross.

So much of humanity is reflected through the witnesses to the crucifixion. How many of us ignore the signs that clearly point to Jesus as King? While we might not see a physical sign “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews,” we are given many signs if we are open to seeing them, and hearing them, and touching them. Are we open to full meaning of the scriptures when we hear them or read them? Do we really understand that we see Jesus in every person we meet, even the people we don’t like, the people who are different from us, the people who may not even believe in Jesus? But He is there.  Do we feel Jesus when we touch a dying person’s hand, when we reach out to life someone who has fallen, when we make love?

How many times do we, like some of the witnesses to the crucifixion, gloat over other people’s misfortune? He deserved that! She had it coming to her! Boy, I’m glad I didn’t listen to him. I knew she was bad, and this just proved it! And how many times do we, like the disciples, just avoid conflict altogether. I am afraid if I speak my mind, people will think less of me. I don’t want to be seen anywhere near that person, or people will think I am like that.  I will look the other way when I see the homeless on the street. I will assume that hooker standing on the corner is there because she is a sinner, not because she may be a victim of human trafficking. I will condemn the rich because they must be evil people. I will look the other way when injustices are right in front of me.

Jesus died and wept not for himself, but for our sins. Let’s at least show Him the courtesy of drying his tears, of wiping the blood. A very wise woman who attended a retreat with me said, “You can’t embrace the cross without getting blood on your hands.”

“How,” you might be saying, “can I wipe Jesus’ blood and tears away?” If only I had been there at the cross, I would have done it. “If only.” Two of the most dangerous words in the English language. If only I had time to help my neighbor who needs a ride to the store. If only that person didn’t treat me so poorly, I could find it in my heart to love them.  If only my family obligations weren’t so demanding, I could find time to help at church. If only I wasn’t so busy at work, I could spend more time with my kids. If only I was smarter, younger, thinner, less afraid, I could do……. The “if onlys” seem to go on and on, don’t they? You can wipe away Jesus’ blood and tears, if only you see them and care enough to do something about it. You can do it every day. When you meet Jesus around you. In your family, in your friends, in your neighbor (that is everybody of course.)

This is an excerpt from my book, See This Christ, recently released as a second edition. Pick it up here.