Brothers and Sisters, In Mark's account of the crucifixion, the crowds surrounding the cross express the world's view of the events of that day. And as we might expect, those who reject the Savior and hate His message do not perceive the crucifixion correctly nor understand it's significance. First of all, they misunderstand the doctrine which the Savior preached, they mock His words, and they challenge His power. Yet, even as the crowd denied Him, they confessed that He did save and heal during His ministry. So it is with the world today. The Lordship of Christ and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit are undeniable, so the world devises false tests in order to attempt to refute the truth. ("Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." 15:32).
Secondly, the world misunderstands the nature of the suffering of the Savior. The Lord cried out from the cross in His agony and even then the crowd thought that He was delirious. At best, the world sees the suffering Savior and sees only a tragic story. But the Savior was not a helpless victim, He was actively and willingly giving His life as a ransom for many. The sacrifice was not a tragedy, a mishap, nor a mistake, it was both the greatest sin ever committed by mankind, and it was the payment for sins and blessing for mankind. They cannot understand this apart from the work of the Holy Spirit.
Thirdly, the true nature of the events of that day are shown in the event on the temple mount. All through the Law, the people have been separated from the Holy God. The visible expression of the presence of God in the chosen nation, the tabernacle and the temple, were obscured by rings of barriers. The closest you could get would be the altar of sacrifice and the ministering priest. There could be no close communion due to sin and the need for a mediator. But on that day the veil was torn from top to bottom. In a moment – in one glorious moment – the veil that kept even the priests away from close communion was split in half. This indicated the nature of salvation and restoration to fellowship with God. God is the initiator. He comes with the gentle message of come – come close and enjoy that restored peace and fellowship. So draw close to Him acknowledging your sins and faith in the sacrifice provided. The way is open.
Older
Top
