Today, more than 2000 years ago, a single person took on the entire guilt of all people and had to die perhaps the most painful death for it. On the cross, beaten and tormented.
When we think about the death of Jesus, some people may think of images from the film “The Passion of Christ”. For me, what is shown there is already beyond all suffering that a human being can endure. But it is only a partial representation of what really happened back then.
Yes, I think Jesus knew what was coming, but whether he knew the details in advance remains uncertain. He was tortured, beaten, mocked and spit on. And death on the cross was waiting for him. But in this death on the cross, not only his body died. No, for a brief moment his soul died too. He felt abandoned by God and for me this loss is like a second death.
At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said: Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni? That means: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
( Psalm 22:2 ; Heb 5:7 )
The Bible says absolutely nothing about Jesus complaining in any way about the physical abuse. No “stop,” no “please don’t.”
But the feeling of separation from God plunged him into deep despair. The sin of the entire world has caused this separation. So Jesus died not only a physical death, but also a spiritual death. For me personally, spiritual death is the greater sacrifice.
HE gave EVERYTHING to defeat the death that sin causes.
The Bible speaks of eternal life that EVERYONE receives who accepts Christ and lives according to HIS specifications.
However, our perishable body is not included in this eternal life. This body is just the vessel that houses our immortal soul. This body is subject to transience, a shelf life, and will perish.
For our soul, however, physical death is not the end but the beginning of something new. A rebirth.
For we know that if our earthly tent house is destroyed, we have a building from [1] God, an eternal house not made with hands in the heavens. ( Heb 11:10 ; 2 Peter 1:13 )
It is therefore fundamental that we protect our souls from all things that can cause separation from God. Repentance, that is, confessing our guilt; Forgiveness that we give to others, forgiveness that we ask God for and the forgiveness that we have to give to ourselves; loves God, spends time with HIM; maintain your relationship with HIM; and love your fellow human beings as yourself.
I wish EACH of you a blessed Good Friday.
Be blessed!
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