HOLY SATURDAY • APRIL 16
The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. During this week, we focus on the events of Jesus’ last days on Earth. This week’s readings will be the descriptions of the Crucifixion given by each Gospel writer. We focus on these particular passages not to wallow in the pain and suffering but to humbly acknowledge the lengths to which Jesus went for every one of us. This act of love and grace enables us to be reconciled to the God who loves us enough to sacrifice His own Son on our behalf.
Scriptures for this week:
Matthew 27:45-56, Mark 15:33-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-38
Jesus in the Middle
By: Steve Mitchell (B4 Elder + Director at Large)
Each Gospel tells of Jesus’ Crucifixion from a different perspective. Yet, they all mention the criminals, or rebels, executed with Jesus. Luke recorded their conversation with Christ on the cross in some detail. Each writer mentions the relative position of the three crucified men. However, only John used language that the NIV translates as “in the middle.”
Think about that. Jesus puts Himself right in the middle of that deadly space. Jesus willingly occupies the void between rejection and repentance (Luke 23:39-43), making Himself available and vulnerable to the rebel in us all. That was His way. That is still His way. Jesus puts His body, His reputation, everything He has — and is — between us and whatever would take us down if not for Him.
He is always “in the middle.”
That’s good news for those of us who are riddled with middles. I’m a genius at finding myself in the dark, lonely “middles.” How about you? Like toddlers with too much time on their hands and too little direction, we get ourselves in trouble. And you know who shows up “in the middle” when we most need Him? Yeah, you guessed it, Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
Think: What thoughts or observations do you have about Jesus’ interactions with the two men crucified with Him? What do you think of the truth that Jesus was “in the middle”? Where else in Scripture or your own life do you see Jesus taking that middle position?
Pray: Remember a time when Jesus placed Himself “in the middle” for you, and thank Him in detail, not because He doesn’t remember, but because it is good for you to hear yourself praise His faithfulness with vigor.
Respond: How will you engage daily with this idea that Jesus is always “in the middle”? Maybe, write the phrase “Jesus in the middle” somewhere you’ll see it regularly. For example, you could write it on a bathroom mirror or create a daily reminder on your phone. Then, whenever you see those words, would you take a moment to thank Him and invite Him into your latest “middle?”