Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. I could rave about her skill in pages upon pages (and I have), but one technique that is particularly captivating is her use of irony. For those who catch it, the result is a satirical critique of her characters (and, by extension, her readers) who are exposed as morally abhorrent.
The dramatic ironies in this reading are all over, and the result is the same.
The Jewish people who handed Jesus over wouldn’t enter Pilate’s headquarters to avoid becoming impure for the Passover. They sought purity while seeking innocent blood.
Later Pilate asks, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) to the One who is the source of truth, the very Word from which all reality came into being.
Then, standing in the position meant to discern and execute justice, Pilate abdicated his responsibility to the changing whims of the mob (even when clearly convinced they are wrong). He used the very power given to him to allow injustice.
Likewise soldiers crowned Jesus and dressed Him royally, mocking the “king” who thought to challenge the great Caesar’s power. They then mocked His thirst by holding up vinegar on a hyssop branch while He poured out His life for all who thirst.
Throughout these readings, we are shown a man who appeared to some of no account and to some even cursed. Yet for those with different eyes, this vile tale of political intrigue is actually the destruction of all vileness, politically or otherwise.
And yet after, “It is finished” (John 19:30), we are left in the cold tomb, waiting. Like the Israelites eating the paschal lamb, ready to flee Egypt during the Passover, there would be quite a journey ahead for Christ’s followers, whose broken body was to be their true food. The Lord had done His work; soon it would be time for His people to move.
The wilderness we are walking through since being freed from our captivity to death may sometimes appear dire. But if reading through 1 & 2 Chronicles has taught us anything, it is that we shouldn’t be fooled by appearances. While the mockers at Christ’s death had a heyday with their ironic gestures, God was weaving an even greater irony out of their actions.
In a subversion of every possible expectation, He gathered up our brokenness and, in swallowing the whole cup, declared again over all humanness: “It is good.”
Jesus is the passover lamb slain for us. He didn’t check to see who was worthy of saving and who wasn’t, He came to save us all! Praise the Lord!!
I pray that I never take for granted Christ’s gift of life. I pray that I will always remember that my freedom in him wasn’t free.
My daughter asked me what forgiveness was today and I just thought what a day to ask!
Hallelujah! This is where we find forgiveness and understanding. Thank you Jesus!!
Jesus gave his life for our sins. What a love ♥️
I am so overwhelmed on Good Friday. More so as I’ve gotten older, but it always breaks me. I almost have no words for my feelings. Except grateful, so undeserved, emotional, thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus gave. I falter…
Amen! I am listening to a great podcast (or video series on YouTube) called “The Spoken Gospel”. Each day this week there is a 20 min session. They have been so profound and have brought me to a deeper understanding of the events of this week. Have a blessed weekend ladies.
Hello my wonderful SRT Sisters… thank you for indulging me..
Here are some thoughts..
So, the hymn When I survey the wonderous Cross, by Isaac Watts, has and will always be the one that has me tearing, bordering on sobs.. I have over the years been move to the core, with the beautiful and so truth filled words, that have stirred something within me.
Today is no different, as I listen to those heart wrenching woods, I am floored and the tears roll..
I have come to believe that everything- EVERYTHING, begins and ends at the Cross.. the Wonderous Cross.
We come to the Cross, realising.. we repent at the Cross. And know forgiveness. We hand over our burdens at the Cross, hopeful our load will be lightened. We find Love, amazing, pure and true love, at the Cross. We praise at the Cross. We live and have a tomorrow, because of the Cross. We have Salvation, Redemption, Eternity.. because of the Cross, and because of the Cross, we have Hope.. everlasting Hope..
When I, Tina, survey the wondrous Cross, I am thankful, thankful that though my flaws are many, many, many, my lord Jesus loved me.. T_H_I_S M- U-C-H ( outstretched arms), and more, much much more, that He died on that Cross for me, for us. My family… my enemies.
.. see from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Every bit of Jesus’s perfect body, was struck, hurt, and bled for me, and what I had, have, and continue to do, sinfully..
BUT GOD..
Even knowing that, Oh my God, still knowing that..
He outstretched those arms, and said, ‘This is for you.. my Tina, so one day YOU will be with me in Paradise…’ tears roll freely as those words arrive via my finger tips to this ‘page’..
What can I say.
What can I say..
All I know is this hymn, the words, truly hit home, right to my core, deep into my soul.
The Cross means everything to me..
Thank you for the Cross
Thank you.. Jesus.., thank you..❤❤
Thankful for you my peeps this Good Friday..
Blessings always..❤❤❤❤