Ibis ad crucem (to the cross you go) - it is finished!

If there was a sentence handed down by a judge in the Roman Empire that was truly feared, it was simply this: Ibis ad crucem (to the cross you go). Pilate had tried to set Jesus free but allowed himself to be maneuvered by the religious authorities and some of the people into doing what they wanted. Pilate had shuttled back and forth trying find a solution that would satisfy everyone and allow him to be left alone and out of this quarrel. He knew that the leaders of the Jews had handed Jesus over because of jealous and fear. He knew them well enough to know that they would act, like most human beings, to protect themselves, their places and positions of power and authority.

Pilate himself in times past had not been so merciful. In fact in some cases he had been quite cruel. But this was different. This young rabbi didn’t seem like the type to lead a rebellion and he wasn’t begging or pleading to be set free, claiming there had been a misunderstanding or a terrible mistake. He simply and quietly stood there while all the rage of others flowed around him.

Is this how God responds to death? Maybe it needs to be said that Jesus was not going to be king on anyone else’s terms. He had resisted when they came to make him king by force. He consistently shot down he self seeking, self indulgent disciples when they tried to make the kingdom their own. He was not going to be Prime Minister by popular election nor was he going to use the strength of military might whether human or divine. It should make us stop and realize that we do not look at power and authority or at faith the same way that God does. We don’t understand God’s idea of kingship. Had the crowds given thought to what would happen if their revolution was successful? If Jesus had used divine power to root out the Romans and usher in a new age of prosperity and freedom of the people of Israel – something they had scarcely known in their history – what would have happened after? Would it have been a real paradise? Probably not. They would have probably started to complain and plot against the new king and his administration because he demanded that they follow and reform things to his way of thinking.

And we need to remember what John has already written in his Gospel – his own received him… not! He made it clear to those around him who he was and what he stood for. This is what he was tried for and found guilty of who he truly was. This is why he was sent to his cross. No waiting. No royal commissions or plebiscites. No negative advertizing campaigns. Not even a forensic investigation to find out if he was telling the truth… He dares to claim he is our king? To the cross you go! If there was need of evidence that we disbelieved in his claim on us Pilate said it best, “What I have written, I have written.”  He is your king.

What is truly amazing is that God uses this moment of horrific violence and brutality to bring forth his grace and mercy, not just for those who rejected him then but for all of us for all time, that we might live in him and for him. To the cross Jesus chose to go. And when everything was completed, when he had offered everything he possibly could give he declared his own judgment, “It is finished.” God in Christ has reached out to this God hating world and embraced it and refuses to let go. God desires to offer life and freedom instead of death and destruction. And thanks be to God, that is how God has dealt with death.       

Jason+