"because what i'm interested in is right here"

it's Good Friday, in case you haven't noticed, and if you haven't noticed that Jesus died this day many years ago, well, take time to notice (i'm sorry i don't know the exact date, i'm horrible at remembering them).  This weekend is one of my favorites in celebrating the true meaning and remembrance of the greatest life and story of Jesus Christ, His Passion, His redeeming love, and the reason we are here on this earth.  good friday. 


i have been studying through the gospels, isaiah, and a charles swindoll commentary the story of this passion, but i must say, i was first reminded of this upcoming event while having a normal night, watching a movie with my dad.  the last of the mohicans, one of my top 7 favorites, including that of the soundtrack, rocked my mind during the part cora is standing up for hawkeye/nathanial (daniel day lewis) after he was accused for treason for helping militia escape the british fort to save their families from potential raides by the indians (please, please, please, if you haven't seen this movie, it is not a waste of your time and you should go rent it immediately...because i'm not explaining any further).  anyways, the following is the conversation cora has with her dad:


Cora Munro: He saved us. We're alive only because of him. Colonel Munro: The man encouraged the colonials to desert in this very room and in my presence! Sir! He is guilty of sedition. He must be tried and hanged like any other criminal, regardless of what he did for my children. Cora Munro: But he knew the consequences, and he stayed. Are those the actions of a criminal?


later on in the scene, cora goes to see hawkeye/nathanial in the fort prison:


Cora Munro: They're going to hang you. Why didn't you leave when you had the chance?
Hawkeye: Because what I'm interested in is right here.


*sidenote: the element of love in war remains to be my all time favorite element a movie can bring.*


anyways, after watching this scene for what was probably the 26th time, it was the first time i was actually moved, almost to tears, because all i could think about was the cross in that moment.  Isaiah 53:7 says, "he was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth.  like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth."  see the comparison?  why on earth would anyone take the beating, scoffing, torture that Jesus took, knowing he was innocent, and not say anything, or do anything to defend his position?  did you know that Jesus went through SIX trials, and they could not prove anything that actually made him a criminal, or in any way deserving of crucifiction? SIX!! and through each trial, Jesus said not one word, except "i am as you say i am" (john 18, matthew 26, luke 22, mark 15).  why again, did th result end in a cross, when, since He's God's son, he could probably have just walked away? "because what i am interested in is right here" a.k.a. because what he loves most is to please his Father, and He loves the people of this world so much that he would forsake and let his only son, be horrifically crucified for the likes of us, filthy, rotten, murderous, greedy, prideful beings that walk the earth.  who would die for sinners? oh yeah, "the way, the truth, and the life..."


through reading in charles swindoll's book Behold...The Man, i have loved reading chuck's opinions or interpretations from scripture.  he discusses that in mark 14, Jesus goes to pray in the garden of gethsemane, knowing what his ultimate fate will be in the following days to come, and he prays, weeps, and sweats drops of blood...he is terrorized just like any other human would be.  chuck states,


"some wonder how Jesus could be fully human and, at the same time, fully divine as God's Son.  Simply look and linger at this scene in Gesthemane, where the oil of His anguish was pressed out like crushed olives.  Here, in the darkness of the garden, His humanity gushes out...He was, in every way, true humanity, subject to the identical feelings we have, whether it be joy or sorrow, fear or confidence, exhilerating ecstasy or crushing agony."


if you know the story from the gospels, Jesus prays for "this cup to pass" (mark 14: 33-36).  i love how well chuck relates to the scriptures here as well:


"at this moment, the totally innocent, sinless Son of God faces and accepts the torture and death that shortly awaits Him.  And so He addresses His Father in familiar terms: 'If there is any other way to accomplish Your plan, may that come to pass.' And then He prays the words that have become the most familiar words in many prayers: 'But do what You want, not what I want.'"


his humanity may have "gushed out" but He asked what only Jesus Christ could ask, that it not be His decision, but the Lord's.  "is that the actions of a criminal?" this picture of love will forever go way beyond my understanding of why, but i will forever be grateful for this redeeming love.  i will not go into detail of the rest of the journey to the cross because i cannot handle it and will hear it sunday, but it is found in all four gospels, matthew, mark, luke, and john, and the new testament is a battle cry for love, and we can continuously be reminded of that love that saved us all.  this is it.  this is what we are all about, what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all about!  This GOOD, but treacherous Friday...an innocent man led to carry all the burdens and sins of this world...none other than Jesus Christ.  just take a moment to notice and remember the sacrifice of love. amazing.    


i can only conclude with a hymn...happy good friday!  


How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory


Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers


It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished


I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection


Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom