Good Friday has always held a special place in my heart. I can remember when I was still new to the faith, even on the fence and spectating more than believing, sneaking off from work to a Good Friday service (I used to work Friday nights) before heading back after its conclusion.
It was my favorite service when I was a pastor.
We had plans to attend one tonight and see my sister and niece sing in their choir but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. However, it didn’t happen for a good reason: we rather unexpectedly ended up with another dog for our family! That is a story for another time.
What I wanted to write about today, however, was the ordinary nature of the crucifixion.
There was nothing extraordinary about Jesus’ crucifixion. I know it can seem that way. When I thnk about it in my own personal devotions, it is very easy to picture only Jesus on the cross. Crucifixes adorn walls around the globe, but the crucifix isn’t simply depicting a generic victim, but Jesus.
Crucifixion happened all the time in ancient Rome.
There is a scene in The Chosen when Jesus and the disciples are entering a city and as they enter it there are people along the road who have been crucified. Everyone is passing by as if it is no big deal–because it wasn’t. Jesus pauses as if he is considering their fate and his future.
There is much I appreciate about the scene but on Good Friday there is one point I’d like to make: Rome crucified people every day.
When the rebellion of Spartacus was put down, 6,000 people were crucified in a day.
During the Jewish rebellion of 71 AD 500 people were crucified a day for months.
Why should it matter then, that one day in Jerusalem, several criminals were crucified including an itinerant rabbi?
Because that rabbi was not just any other man. And it was impossible for death to hold him.
Three Taverns Brewery 