The Tears of Christ

Charis-Kairos (The Tears of Christ) by Makoto Fujimura

How does a middle aged woman living in Dallas in the 21st Century grasp the agony of a Roman crucifixion that happened over 2000 years ago?  Let alone, the crucifixion of the Son of God?  What is it like to be flogged, to be spit on, to be derided, to be put through such physical, mental and emotional torture?  What is like to see your loved ones gathered at the foot of the cross, grieving and feeling helpless?  What is it like to have the burden of the world's sins heaped upon you, you who have never sinned?  What is it like to be separated from your Heavenly Father with whom you have been inseparable through all eternity?

My imagination and empathy can only take me so far.

But yet it is important for me to reflect on Christ's suffering by reading the Gospel accounts, not just on Good Friday, but often throughout the year.  It is important for me personally as I am one who struggle against suffering.  I hate suffering for myself, for my loved ones, for most living creatures.  And I certainly don't want to think about the suffering of Christ.  I am like his disciples, who did not want to hear about him having to suffer many things. He is after all the Son of God, the One for whom and to whom all creation was made.  He could wipe out evil in a snap, save his people with pomp and circumstance, but instead God chose the lonely painful road of suffering, of death on the Roman cross, a most hideous way of execution in all history.

I definitely see the need for atonement-the need for our sins to be dealt with, for us to be reconciled to God.  Intellectually, I can even somewhat grasp the way of atonement in the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus, but I often struggle with the cruel and horrific way of the Cross.  But God's ways are way beyond me. I can perhaps understand just that much, just as I can only empathize with Jesus' suffering on the Cross just that much.  But how wonderful that the Son of God, our Savior, the One who hung on the Cross for you and for me, understands it all and empathizes absolutely and totally with all our sufferings and human frailties.  Because of his suffering, we know we do not have a God who stands apart when we suffer, but embraces us in our suffering, helping and advocating for us always with deep compassion and faithfulness.

I do not understand God's ways.  But I certainly rest in His deep deep love for you and for me!

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 

(Hebrews 2:14-16 ESV)

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV)