Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a “suffering servant” led to the slaughter. As terrible as it seemed, it had to be, so as to break the chains of sin, Satan, and death, forever and for everyone. He also prophesies the exaltation of the servant, who shall be raised high and shall startle many nations [and] kings shall stand speechless. For the servant, the Messiah, would suffer all things for us, bear our guilt, justify many, and win pardon for [our] offenses. 

The servant becomes king, residing on a throne of grace. He is a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. We approach the throne to receive mercy and timely help. For our king, the throne is not brocaded cushions with gold leaf inlays, it is the cross where he is crowned with brambles. 

Jesus’ enemies stirred up the crowds to call for the release of Barabbas, a man guilty of the crimes Jesus would die for – insurrection and treason. Barabbas represents all of us, those guilty of sin who were freed by Jesus’ most bitter passion. 

John places all of us along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, as Jesus makes his way to Golgotha. At every turn Jesus is mocked, spat upon, accused of blasphemies, beaten, berated. Yet, through it all, Jesus said nothing in his defense. 

The sky was darkened. The earth shook. The curtain of the temple was torn. Time stopped. As Christians everywhere this day flock to darkened churches to venerate the wood of the cross, we fast and pray, mindful of the depth of God’s love for us, even to the death of his Son on a cross. Only two questions remain: What did we do to deserve such a loving God who gives the life of his only Son for our salvation? What can we offer him in return for this wondrous sacrifice Christ has made for us? 

In Christ, we see how much God loves us. He asks for the gift of our life, our love, and our faith in return.