The journey of Jesus Christ to the cross began prior to his birth. From heaven, Jesus accepted the challenge to come down to save us from our sins by his blood through his death on the cross. Jesus however began his earthly journey at birth and finished it on the cross and upon his resurrection.
Herod planned to kill Jesus, Matthew 2:13. He was troubled at Jesus’ birth, Matthew 2:3. The Jewish leaders including the Pharisees, Scribes and the Herodias also made several attempts from the Synagogues to kill him, Mark 3:6. After several attempts, Jesus was finally arrested, tried and killed by crucifixion, Matthew 20:19. These events were divine arrangements.
The kiss of Judas
Jesus was finally arrested after Judas’s kiss of death, Matthew 26: 47-50; Mark 14: 44-46. A kiss is to show love and not for betrayal or hate. Good things must not be used for the wrong purpose. Jesus knew Judas’ motive and his end which was already prophesied, Matthew 26:24; Mark 14:21, Zechariah 11:12. Jesus drew Judas close to himself so he would change but he neglected that opportunity, Deuteronomy 15:11. Neglect of such an opportunity leads to suicide as Judas did.
We must not betray loved ones. Jesus ate with Judas from the same bowl, Matthew 26:23, 25. We must not cheat or deceive in love or in our relationships. We must not be self-centered in order to achieve utmost bad faith as Judas did. We must accept an opportunity to change or to reform. We dine with Christ yet betray him in heart. Jesus knows our end and is saying woe to us along our chosen path. Our betrayal carries consequences.
The trial of Christ Jesus
Jesus was first tried before Annas the father-in-law of Caiaphas, high priest that year. He then bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, John 18:13, 24. Caiaphas the high priest tried him, Matthew 26:57. He was finally tried before Pilate the governor, Matthew 27:2. He was found to be innocent, Matthew 27:24-25. In spite of the verdict, the people mock him till death, Matthew 27: 27-31.
The trial showed a world of tainted justice. Justice was denied him and humiliated like a lamb being led for slaughter, Acts 8:32; Isaiah 53:7. Those entrusted with justice delivery lacked the boldness to deliver on their mandate. Christians must behave differently. 2 Corinthians 3:12 says since we have such a hope, we are very bold. Even those who promised to fight for Jesus failed to do so, Matthew 2:35; 26:74. As Christians, we are entrusted by God to dispense justice without fear wherever we are.
We must defend, speak, defend and enforce justice based on our conscience and biblical truth. Annas, Caiaphas and Pilate failed the test. We are judges in God’s holy nation to defend the truth, 1 Peter 2:9. We must not betray the truth or Christ Jesus. We taint or pervert justice against the innocent when we testify falsely for power, positions, wealth or fear of death.
We break our vows to defend the truth although we have encountered Christ Jesus. We swear falsely in denial of the truth as Peter did. We should not fear to do what is right because we shall regain whatever we lose for the sake of Christ Jesus, Matthew 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24. We must be upright with God in this perverse world, Philippians 2:15.
Carrying the cross
Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), Matthew 27:32-33. Simon of Cyrene did not plan to carry the cross for Jesus. Jesus still carries our burdens and needs our involvement on his way for soon, he will be tired of us. Simon of Cyrene carried the cross for Jesus to his crucifixion to finish the journey. Simon Peter carried the cross of evangelism to finish the race of his life. He was crucified upside down because he counted himself not equal with Christ.
It is our turn to take up the mantle till Jesus comes. Paul said he has been crucified with Christ, Galatians 2:20. What about us? It is our turn to accept the call to carry the message to the ends of the world till Jesus comes. Jesus was and still is truly the suffering messiah for us and we must appreciate him. Nothing shall separate us from his love as Paul acknowledged in Romans 8:35-39.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we join you to carry the cross, we repent of our kisses of betrayal and humiliation. Wash us from our sins in your precious blood and save our souls today, Amen!!
