Today’s scripture: Luke 23:26-31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
As background for this piece, I conducted several searches for information regarding pre-crucifixion flogging in Rome during the time of Christ. Without going into explicit details (which you can search online for yourself, if you wish), I’ll just summarize a bit of Jesus’ condition after being flogged.
Jesus would have been experiencing horrendous pain, significant blood loss, a lot of torn/ripped flesh and extreme exhaustion from the horrible physical abuse. He was too weak to carry his own cross as he walked to the remainder of his execution, so another person was chosen to carry it instead.
Yet, what did Jesus do as he struggled along the path? Instead of dwelling on himself and telling everyone to go away, he took the time to alert people nearby of what was going to happen in the future. There are differing opinions as to what exact period of time it is that Jesus is referencing, but the fact still remains that he was thinking of others.
What would I have done if I had been one of the people who saw Jesus at this moment? There he was: a dying person in horrid agony, who was thinking of others.
Would I have thought him to be delusional and then dismiss what he said? Would I have been so shocked at his words that I would decide to try to learn what he meant? If I did hear and believe his words, would I have tried to make future preparations for an impending catastrophe? Would he have been an inspiration for me to think of others even when life was rough for me?
I have never found a source which claims to know what the crowd members did, as they went about their own lives later that day, with the knowledge that Jesus gave to them. But I have certainly wondered about whether or not they let it affect their lives; and if so, in what ways.
Thought for the day: Do I continue to serve God even when circumstances are difficult for me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.