There was a movie several years ago about a woman in a German concentration camp that was forced to choose between her two children. She knew that one child would be permitted to live and the other would surely die. It was famous actress (Meryl Streep) in a famous movie role (“Sophie’s Choice”, 1982) and it was based on a novel written by William Styron in 1979. She played a Polish immigrant and was forced into prostitution to protect herself and her family. It was a moving movie. Aren’t the best stories? Aren’t the most tragic?
A story in the Bible had a similar gut wrenching decision that had to be made. We can witness the mitigating factors that led up to the fateful decision. One man was being hunted and although he could have run and escaped, he chose to give himself up. He knew the consequences would be fatal to him and that he had to make the right decision. He didn’t shy away from the decision, but he didn’t jump at the decision either. We have a record of his agonizing over it. The decision was made only after all other contingencies were explored and rejected.
Can you possibly imagine a person willingly surrendering to his enemies, knowing that they would beat him, torture him, ridicule him, and ultimately kill him in a brutal manner? Wouldn’t that be a story for the ages? For eternity?
The story happened just in the manner described. If the story didn’t happen Christianity would have probably died out. The Easter holiday as we know it would be non-existent. Eternal life would be agony, hope would be abolished, and re-connecting with your Creator would be a pipe dream at best.
“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”” Luke 22:39-42
Jesus not only experienced the horror of crucifixion but, even worse, he would have to suffer the total separation from God in order to die for the world’s sins. Have you thanked him—again?
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