Those who passed by.

Many will be familiar with the old Negro spiritual that asks the question: "Where you there when they crucified my Lord?" On this Good Friday, it's a question that may still be, legitimately, asked! 

The story is familiar to many, but here is Luke's account of the part on which I wish to concentrate: "... when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified Him , and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He is the Christ of God, His Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" (Luke 23:33-37).

Consider those who callously passed by the Saviour, as He hung on the cross - how they mocked Him; scoffed at Him; even challenged Him. How heartless they were. Yet, before we rush to judge them let's remember that many continue to treat Him thus today! They fall, broadly, into three groups.

There are those who want a cross without a Christ. It's possible to revere a symbol - even a symbol of death! - without giving any thought to the Saviour. So-called 'celebrities' will often be seen with a bejewelled gold cross being worn as a necklace; others will have little crosses hanging from their ears; many men will wear a 'chunky' gold cross around their necks. But that emblem, be it of silver, or gold, or wood, or anything else, will never pay the penalty for even one sin. It is the Christ, alone, Who redeems us with His precious blood.

Then, there are those who want a Christ without a cross! They want a mighty conqueror, not a dying Lamb. They would cry "... come down from the cross!" (Mark 15:30). They want a good example; a great teacher; a triumphant king. Theirs is a 'gospel' of human works. They want to be able to sing "I did it me way" - not His. They despise the true Gospel that declares that we are made right with Father God by faith in the One Who shed His blood on the cross.

A third group is those who want neither the Christ, nor His cross. They are untouched by His sorrow; unmoved by His suffering; unrepentant of the sins that He bore. They have never given thought to those wonderful words, penned by Horatio Gates Spafford:

"My sin - O the bliss of this glorious thought - my sin, not in part, but the whole is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul." (emphases added)

(by the way, if you don't know the story behind the writing of that song, I would encourage you to check it out. Try https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReApJymYSiw  The 'embed' code is below but, for some reason, doesn't always work! Any advice appreciated!)

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He Who was sinless gave His life, that I, who am a sinner, might live in Him. He took my place, that I might have His peace.

What about you?!