Just as the disciples were confused and questioning in the last days of Jesus ministry, so we puzzle over the events of what we call Holy Week. I remember a discussion with my mom when she was in her nineties. Her question was, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The question is raised again and again and has been asked through the centuries.
In the 20th century, I was captivated by the show “Jesus Christ Superstar”. I have seen several live performances and several versions on television. My favorite one remains the movie shot on Masada. Throughout the play, the followers of Jesus are puzzled by many of his statements and actions. The predictions of temple destruction and stones crying out are incomprehensible.
Actually, the word incomprehensible sums up the story of death and then resurrection. I remember my mom, a sincere and loving follower of Jesus, asking plaintively, “why did Jesus have to die?” Neither she nor I was comfortable with the idea of God demanding the sacrifice of His only son in order to save us from our sins. That is totally incomprehensible to me. It appears that Jesus died because his deeds of service and love aroused the ire of the governing powers who were threatened by his actions. Yes, He died, but not as a sacrificial lamb; rather as someone whose death resulted in an astounding resurrection. I believe that He died and rose to life to show us that new life is possible – not just the eternal life after physical death, but also a new life of selflessness. Care for others can become a sort of resurrection if we die to excessive concern about our own welfare and needs.
This kind of life of service or imitation of Christ is explored in the last chapter of our Lenten study book. Pastor Matt Rawle includes data on Superman’s efforts to imitate Jesus in the action of helping to feed the hungry, as well as well as in the act of stretching out his arms in love as does the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
That idea of imitating Christ (as best we can) is expressed in various ways in this last chapter. Rawle uses the adjective incomprehensible when examining Christ’s death and resurrection. It helps a bit to think of how seeds must be planted in darkness (just as Jesus was placed in a tomb) before they can burst forth in usefulness. To me, this state of being buried in the darkness of ignorance and selfishness and then rising to the light of service helps a bit to understand Christ’s death and resurrection. The darkness and despair of death was transformed into a glorious life that we, too, can experience.
A productive life can be ours after we have buried our selfish pursuits to reach out in service as followers of Christ. Rawle states it beautifully: “Christ offers salvation through humility, generosity, obedience, and sacrifice … we let go of ourselves so that we might learn to love God and love one another.”
-Janet Johnson
Sudbury UMC Lenten Devotions 