The events of Jesus’ death which we’ve seen and heard this morning happened just short of 2,000 years ago. I don’t know where you are on your faith journey, but I know that over the years I’ve often asked the question, “How can a death 2,000 years ago help me today?”
Is Jesus’ death just a historical fact, a piece of information? Historical documents (not including the gospel accounts) record that Jesus of Nazareth was a man crucified by the Romans. But so what? There are many other deaths which are also recorded in history. Take for example the brutal assassination of Julius Caesar. This conspiracy involved over sixty people, it was led by numerous Roman senators, and ended with Caesar stabbed to death on the steps of the Theatre of Pompey. So what, if anything, makes Jesus’ death different from other deaths in history? Lots of people have died over the last 2,000 — what’s so important about this one death that we remember it every year?
Maybe Jesus’ death is just a good story that moves and touches us? The gospels are literary masterpieces which can evoke intense emotion. But there are other artistic stories of death (both written and visual) which can also move us to deep emotion. Take for example the death scene in “Bambi,” where Bambi’s mother dies. This is a heart wrenching story brought to life through art. So what, if anything, makes Jesus’ death more than a nice story that brings a tear to the eye?
I propose to you that Jesus’ death is more than a historical fact to inform; it is more than a good story that moves you. Let me share with you three reasons why I think Jesus’ death, even though it was 2,000 years ago, can help you today.
Firstly, you caused Jesus’ death. Even though it happened 2,000 years ago, God tells us that you caused it. The prophet Isaiah writes: ‘He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. ’ (Isaiah 53:5). The death Jesus died is the death you deserve. As that second thief on the cross beside Jesus says, “[Don’t you see] you are under the same sentence [of death]? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man [Jesus] has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:40–41). As Martin Luther suggests: ‘You are the one who makes Christ suffer, for your sins have certainly caused this. … “You crucified him.” … When you see the nails piercing Christ’s hands, you can be certain that it is your work. When you behold his crown of thorns, you may rest assured that these are your evil thoughts, and so on.’ Other deaths in history have little or no connection with you. But you nailed Jesus to the cross. You crucified him. He is punished for your crime. He was killed for your wrong deeds. If you read about or watch another death, you can simply close the book or turn off the TV. But you caused Jesus’ death. It might have happened 2,000 years ago, but you are its cause.
Let me tell a story to illustrate. ‘Three-year-old Shawn accompanied his dad to church on Easter. The father wanted his son to understand the meaning of Easter, so he tried to explain the significance of the cross which hung at the front of the church. He said, “Jesus died because people nailed him to the cross.” The little boy’s eyes widened. As he scanned the church, he wriggled uncomfortably in his seat. He asked his dad, “You mean these people?”’ [1] Yes, these people, you!
Secondly, Jesus’ death does something. Jesus’ death has a purpose. Other deaths can have purpose too, but because Jesus is the Son of God, his death has a special purpose. The Son of God in human flesh, cries out to his heavenly Father from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus’ death wins you forgiveness. To ‘forgive’ means to leave something behind, remember it no more, cancel a debt which is owed, to release someone from a legal obligation. Jesus prays to his heavenly Father on the cross to leave your sins behind, to no longer remember your wrong doings (past/present/future), to cancel the debt you owe him, and release you from any obligations. No other death can achieve this. Because Jesus is the Son of God, his death does something unique — it sets you free.
Lastly, Jesus’ death transforms you. St Paul says: ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.’ (Galatians 2:20). Not only did you cause Jesus’ death, but you were nailed to the cross too. You have been co-crucified with Christ. What you used to be — your ‘old self’ — is killed with Jesus on the cross and no longer lives. But this is only half of the story. We look forward to Easter Day when Christ is raised from the dead. And because Christ is raised, you too are raised with him. Your new self is born and you are given a new life. You get to start afresh every day. You are joined with Christ’s death, but will also certainly be joined to his resurrection. Jesus’ death transforms you into a new person: you have a new life, a new hope, a new future, starting today.
So, how can a death 2,000 years ago help you today? You are connected with Jesus’ death — you caused it. But because Jesus is God’s Son, his death does something: it achieves the forgiveness of sins for you. The beloved Son prays for you on the cross, “Father, forgive them.” Because you are connected with this act of forgiveness, you are transformed. You are given a new life.
The question now is how are you going to respond to this good news? How are you going to live out your new life? Once you hear this good news, once you really hear it, you can’t just return home and carry on life as normal. The new life Jesus offers transforms everything.
Jesus’ death changes how you see God — he’s not some vindictive judge looking to punish you when you fail to keep his rules; rather he is a merciful and loving Father who cares for you, his child. Jesus’ death changes how you see yourself — each day your old self tries to rise up, but it is killed and you become a new person in Christ. This new person loves who you are and seeks to love others: your family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours. Jesus’ death changes how you see others — everyone is a child of God on a journey of discovering what Jesus’ death achieves for them. How will you help them along this journey?
May Jesus’ death change you into a new person today and forever. May you share the good news of Good Friday with others. May you go and live your new life of freedom by loving yourself and others. Amen.
[1] http://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/who-crucified-christ
