Mission Possible
John 19:23-42 (May 31)
I love the action-packed Mission Impossible movies! There is so much adventure, edge-of-your-seat moments, and fabulous stunts. The good guys win...after a long struggle with the bad guys, and the characters are rich with personality. These people are on a mission, one that seems impossible to the logical mind.
Jesus was on a mission as well...one that seemed impossible to so many. And just like the movie, there is a lot of adventure and moments that cause apprehension, and a lot of interesting characters. Even more important, on this mission the good wins over the evil, even though it might not seem like it to those who are troubled by the events.
Jesus has been nailed to the cross. His clothes have been divided amongst the soldiers and they are rolling the dice to see who wins his robe. (And you thought gambling was something from this century?)
His mama is there with her sister and Mary Magdalene. Oh, how her heart must be breaking to see her boy hanging there. I admire the strength it must have taken for her to stay there until the end.
When my oldest was younger, he was a wrestler. He was very good at this sport and his name was widely known as someone to watch out for. I loved to watch him wrestle...most of the time. But whenever he had a match with someone who was really tough, I would get nervous and unable to watch. Many of his matches were spent with me hiding in a bathroom stall, counting off the minutes until the match was over. So...knowing this about myself...I wonder if I would have the courage to stand at the foot of the cross the way Mary did.
There is also a disciple standing with Mary, and Jesus looks down and says, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” Even in those last moments Jesus was doing his duty as the oldest son, making sure his mama was cared for.
Jesus is thirsty, so thirsty. He asks for a drink and is given some sour wine on a sponge. It was after this taste that he said, “It is finished.” His head bowed and his spirit left him.
The soldiers took Jesus down quickly, along with the two others who were crucified alongside him. They didn’t want them hanging there for the Passover. (That might make them all look bad!)
Joseph of Arimathea, who had been secretly following Jesus, asked for permission to take Jesus to his own personal tomb. Nicodemus joined him, bringing the oils and spices they would need for burial.
The mission that seemed so impossible and unbelievable to many was done. Jesus had finished what he came to earth to do. The bad guys might have thought they had the final word, but we know they did not. Jesus was more victorious in his death than they ever were in life.
And a mission goes on still today...the mission to bring as many people as possible to know Jesus. This is a mission to build up the kingdom for all eternity. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. Sometimes the world tries to intervene. But the enemy will not win this mission, because it is very much a Mission Possible.