It’s easy to assume Jesus was unaffected by what happened on Good Friday because he was the Son of God, Savior of the World and Lord. But he was. Deeply and powerfully. He experienced the loneliness of rejection and betrayal by those he came to serve. He suffered when tortured, mocked, and nailed upon a cross. He died as difficult a death as a human being can experience. If you’re honest, it is all difficult to comprehend. Yet, even as you struggle to understand the cross, you know something took place that simply could not occur any other way. On the cross Jesus’ outstretched arms embraced the world – including you – in unconditional love. On the cross Jesus unleashed sacrificial love that was willing to go to any length to save humanity – including you – from sin, suffering, injustice and hopelessness. On the cross Jesus offered everyone – including you – the gift of transforming love that changes everything about everything forever. Indeed, the cross seems like the most unlikely way for God to save the world. Then. And now.
