Luke 23:33-35
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!”
It is one of the most memorable scenes of Luke’s story about Jesus. I’m not talking about this one, but earlier. Far earlier. Do you remember?
Luke tells us of another time when the orders of a powerful ruler affect the destiny of Jesus. Except this time it is not Pilate issuing commands, but the Emperor Augustus, the one who decreed that all the world should be enrolled. So Joseph took his betrothed, Mary, who was pregnant, along with him to be counted. And, as Luke narrates, “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
It may seem an odd juxtaposition, placing these two scenes side by side. But both the similarities and contrasts between them are startling. In the beginning he was wrapped in bands of cloth; now his clothing is taken away and divided among his executioners. His family had no one to take them in. All those who have travelled with Jesus have fled, and he is as alone as they were.
He didn’t seem like much of a king then, but there was still hope. Prophecies and dreams and angelic visitors – the baby boy had such potential, and so Mary treasured all those things in her heart.
Now, of course, her heart has been pierced, just as Simeon said it would be. And all that potential is all gone, spent, it would seem, in the triumphal entry into Jerusalem just days earlier. Jesus is now alone, abandoned, stripped as naked for execution as he was when he came into the world. The crowds stand and look on – whether appalled or surprised or grieved or indifferent we’ll never know – while his opponents scoff.
Can we blame them? Certainly he doesn’t look anything like the Messiah they imagined. No wonder they doubt him – from all appearances it seems impossible that he could save himself.
And it is impossible. But not because he can’t, but rather because he won’t. He didn’t come to save himself; he came to save us.
Prayer: Dear God, keep us mindful of your sacrifice for us and lead us to see each other as those persons for whom you died. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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