Guilty!

The question is often asked, "Who crucified Jesus?" Now we know Jesus willingly gave Himself on the cross. ( John 10:17-18) It was the plan of God for redeeming mankind and adequately dealing with sin. However, where does the guilt rest? We know Pilate's involvement. Though he tried to wash his hands of the situation ( Matthew 27:24), having the power to free Jesus ( John 19:10), he bore some guilt. The Jewish leaders bore guilt for calling for His crucifixion. ( John 19:6) The Jewish people, in their rejection of Jesus bore the guilt. Peter eventually made this clear to the people ( Acts 2:36), many of whom acknowledged that guilt and wanted to know what they could do about it ( Acts 2:37) and to which Peter told them what they needed to do. ( Acts 2:38) Those who drove the nails through His flesh -- though following orders -- also bore the guilt for crucifying an innocent man. Do we ask, "How could they?"

I recently came across a short clipping referring to one of Rembrandt's famous paintings called "The Three Crosses". Jesus -- in center place -- is usually where eyes are first drawn when viewing this painting. Then the focus begins to move through the crowd pictured around the cross, noting the facial expressions of those involved in crucifying the Son of God. However, there is a character pictured in the lower edge of the painting that can be easily missed. It is a figure almost obscured by the shadows. Many art critics believe Rembrandt was representing himself in the painting, acknowledging HIS OWN SINS as having helped to nail Jesus to the cross.

Do we view it as PERSONALLY as that? Do we acknowledge it was OUR SINS that made it necessary for Jesus to endure the cross?

In Paul's first letter to Timothy he stated. . .
"(15) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, of whom I AM THE FOREMOST. (16) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV)

Paul accepted what Jesus accomplished on the cross VERY PERSONALLY. He knew without that act, he would not have received the mercy he needed. Paul knew how his life stood as an example of the great patience of the Lord toward him because he did not deserve the salvation that was his. He knew he deserved the death Jesus experienced on his behalf. (note Hebrews 2:9)

Though through the cross the door was opened for salvation to all who would repent and turn their lives to Jesus (just as Peter told those who responded to his teaching in Acts 2), let us be impacted by the reality Jesus went to the cross to deal with our INDIVIDUAL SINS. His death on the cross brought us the blessing of forgiveness and life eternal. Therefore, may we not be guilty of crucifying once again the Son of God" ( Hebrews 6:6 ESV) by turning back into a life of sin. Let us daily live in Him and for Him!

Have a great day PERSONALLY APPRECIATING THE BLESSING CHRIST PROVIDED!
Carl

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