The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary is almost complete. It is not a long distance physically from Pilate's palace to the place of the Skull. But when one has been beaten physically, assaulted emotionally, abandoned by one's friends, it is a very long way indeed-too long. He will need help to carry the cross. According to Luke 23:26, Simon from Cyrene has the remarkable distinction of actually helping Jesus carry the cross to the site of the crucifixion.
But as Jesus goes He recognizes the way is no less difficult for others. There are many of His followers and supporters who had hoped for so much more. They "mourned and wailed for Him" (Luke 23:27b). They saw their loved one abused and beaten mercilessly. They saw all their hopes dashed. They thought this was the end.
Jesus knew this was not the end. Both Moses and Elijah had assured Him of that on the Mount of Transfiguration. He knew that what He was doing was being faithful to the Father. He knew very difficult days lay ahead for those in Jerusalem. If they could treat Him this way who was innocent, how difficult it would it be for them when the Romans would destroy Jerusalem and even the temple itself.
The journey through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary was difficult for Jesus. The jeering, the taunting, the weight of the cross-all took their toll. But the heaviest weight was the load of our sins. Those He alone could carry.
THE PRAYER: Bless us, Jesus, as we observe the final leg to Mount Calvary. Amen.
|
