Beneath the Cross of Jesus

In today's text, the scene is very intimate and the closeness of the narrative helps us to further grasp the cosmic significance of what is going on. There are two groups to which our attention is drawn. These two groups provide dual and contrasting scenes. On the one hand, we see a group of professional soldiers who are merely following orders. It is likely that they have followed similar orders many times before. For them, today is no different than yesterday and it is likely that tomorrow will also be the same. At this point, they are wholly unaware of what is happening above them on the cross. Indeed, they are concerned only with a short-term financial gain and are oblivious to the death of the Savior. On the other hand, you have the Savior's family and closest associates – at least those who didn't flee when the religious and civil powers arrested Him. It is understandable that they are there, but do they realize how monumental this miscarriage of human justice is? Lastly, in the midst of all of this, the Savior looks down upon His mother and friends, and in a most tender moment, He shows the love which is the foundation of all He is accomplishing for them and for us. – Pastor Schlegel