The Hero Dies
But God demonstrates his own love for us in the: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Romans 5:8-9)
Once again, I was inspired by the kiosk signage outside a Baptist church near my home. For Easter they have this message that Easter story is the only story where the hero dies for the villain. I just had to go with that inspiration.
I’ve watched a number of movies where the hero defeats the villain and saves the day. I’ve also read many books where the story is the same, the hero saves the day and vanquishes the villain. But the Gospel, well that’s something different, isn’t it?
The story is of God sending His Son into a fallen and hopeless world. The Son being born of virgin birth, He lives in this world as a man who goes on to ministering and preaching in ways that are much different than others who are ministers, preachers, and leaders of the communities of His time. Then He dies on the Cross for the sins of the world, defeats death and paves the way for the villains in this story to truly become the children of God.
That story is very familiar to us all. But let’s look at the Good Friday story from a different angle. Let’s check in on the villains specifically.
Let’s start with Judas Iscariot. His greed certainly makes him a villain.
What about Pontius Pilot? His failing was not being at all interested in the Jew’s false claims of Jesus’ trumped-up crimes. He was more indifferent and only cared about how Rome would view his regional management.
Then there are the people who were in Jerusalem. A fickle bunch for sure. Give us the king we seek or else.
And we must add to this list the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes – what amazing hypocrisy of the people’s religious leaders.
Don’t you sometimes consider the story of all this blatant disdain for Jesus and think, “I’m glad I’m not like this bunch.”
But the truth we need to reconcile with is that we all are the villains of this story – all of us.
“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”
(Romans 5:12)
Because of Adam’s choice, and Eve’s persuasion, we all are at fault. Sin entered the world in that moment, and we can’t escape its grip.
Jesus was beaten, mocked, ridiculed, spit on, laughed at, and then was hung on a wooden cross like the worst criminals of the day. He bled and suffocated to death. No one was cheering for Him as He took His last breath. They laughed at Him as He asked God to forgive them.
Dying for us was the most Jesus could do. Living for Him is the least we can do.
So, as we move into another Good Friday and Easter celebration, remember the sacrifice that was made on your behalf, and live for Him.
Lord, thank You for Your promises and unwavering faithfulness. Thank You for Your Son who came to show me just how much You love me. Please empower me to live out my love in acts of service and giving to others as Jesus did. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.