I think the temperature of our relationships is best taken when the thermometer of life is taken… not orally. You do know, I’m sure, that we don’t always get to choose which end we take our medicine from. Circumstances can conspire against us, and we feel fine just sucking on a couple lozenges of encouragement and a pat on the back. Then there are moments of utter disaster, when we wake up not knowing where we are or how we got there, and someone has stuck uncomfortable things in places where nothing should ever be stuck. Machines go beep-beep, trying to tell us we’re still alive but really only stressing us out as we wait for the long note of fatality.
This can happen in any area of our lives. It’s in those moments when you can look around to see if anyone is there for you, and discern what kind of friend you’ve been. It happened once in my marriage, I’ve seen it in the lives of my friends, and I know Jesus experienced it at least once.
It’s hard to say which aspect of the crucifixion scandal would have been the most difficult for Jesus to endure. I wonder if the bite of the whip was worse than the sting of Judas’ kiss. Could the agony of his broken hands and feet have been enough to cover the shame of his nakedness? It’s hard to imagine.
What is even more difficult to comprehend is the fact that his loyal followers were for the most part nowhere to be found. At first glance, one must wonder exactly what kind of relationships Jesus had been investing his time and energy in!
But wait…
Take a step closer with me. Let the loss of blood and wrenching heartache run its course, and wait in silence until the shock of that last loud cry announces the end of the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Two men had been watching Jesus over the course of his ministry. Seeking him out at night; intrigued by him but not wanting to be associated with a rebellious prophet. Over time Jesus captured their hearts. And now, when his corpse comes down from the cross to be claimed, they are there.
I have a friend right now who is being hung on a cross of pain. It’s hard to watch. I can’t do much for him, and I don’t know at the end whether his faith will live or die. But his story has captured my heart. It’s a tale of courage, love and strength.
I want to be there at the end. Because somehow I know that he is hanging there for me, just like Jesus was.
“…just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3
