Whenever I read the Passion of the Lord, I hope for a different ending to the story.  I do the same thing every time I watch the movie “Titanic.”  I can’t help but hope that the ship will miss the iceberg; that it won’t sink; that Jack won’t die; that everyone will be saved.

I don’t mean to imply that the sinking of the Titanic is on the same par with the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.  It is my nature to be hopeful about outcomes.  Isn’t there always the possibility that one of the Sanhedrin will remember the prophets of old and bring forth a powerful testimony in support of Jesus?

How about Herod and Pilate?  Isn’t it possible that they could be courageous leaders and refuse to be manipulated into doing something that they knew to be wrong?  Or the “crowd”, the crowd could yell for Barabbas rather than for Jesus.  Or they demand exile or a prison term, not death.  They could   proclaim Jesus to be their King.

I have heard and read the Gospel account of Christ’s death for over sixty years.  I know the ending.  It is not going to change because it had to take place the way it did.  These events, this cross, fulfill the salvation promised to God’s people to conquer death’s sting.

Sometimes, we may think that Jesus had a helping hand in bearing His suffering and death because, after all, He is God.  Here is the mystery:  He is also man.  He feels the very same pains, physical, emotional, and spiritual, that we feel.  How much more difficult it is to bear these pains knowing that in the blink of the eye, He could be rid of this pain. 

Jesus’s suffering and death, leading to His glorious resurrection in three days, is the ultimate proof of the unconditional love that God has for His children.  My hope continues that this demonstration will bring love and unity to His children and eternal happiness for all. Spend some time today beneath the Cross of Jesus. Let the love and grace of God flow over you and bring you peace.

Terri