We set false expectations of Jesus based on incorrect interpretations of what he did in the past.
Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
But we know where he is from.
We see someone who is apparently limited. We believe this because in our pride we judge him by the standard of what we would do if we ourselves were God. He does not do these things and so we invariably see him with more human limitations than he actually has. Yet we do not recognize his full humanity either. We see him rather as a threat.
To us he is the censure of our thoughts;
merely to see him is a hardship for us,
Because his life is not like that of others,
and different are his ways.
He is too like God to receive our sympathy. But he is too unlike our expectation of God to receive our worship. How can this be fixed? Let us listen to Jesus tell us who he is.
Yet I did not come on my own,
but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.
Let us look to the proof he has already given. It is proof both of his absolute divine power and of his total shared humanity.
With revilement and torture let us put him to the test
that we may have proof of his gentleness
and try his patience.
Looking upon the Cross we learn both worship and love. We finally see why only in Jesus can we find the recompense of holiness and the innocent souls' reward. May we allow ourselves to be pierced to the heart as we gaze upon the Cross. May Jesus transform us and may we let ourselves be transformed.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
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