It was a bizarre scene.  Jesus the Messiah – long promised and eagerly awaited by Israel (Luke 2:30-32) – was crucified because the spiritual leaders of Israel hated Him.  He had the spiritual authority they craved but did not have (Matthew 27:18; Mark 1:27).  All public executions attract the curious and self-righteous who make themselves feel even more righteous by showing their disgust for the condemned.  But it was not only the passing public who threw verbal abuse at Jesus; the religious establishment added their vocal punches.  Their pitch was about His claim to be Saviour and King (John 18:37); taking His words but twisting them because they did not understand what He was saying.

They were so blind (John 9:40-41): they could not see that Jesus exactly matched the prophetic descriptions of the Messiah (Isaiah 61:1-3).  And they wrongly assumed that He could not save Himself (Psalm 22:6-8).  He could (Matthew 26:53) ... but He did not want to.  He knew that none of those who condemned Him could have any hope of heaven, without His sacrifice for them.  No wonder the Apostle Paul was so grateful (1 Timothy 1:15), as we should be too.

Like many today, who throw religious taunts, the Jewish leaders claimed to be open to believing.  The final sign, they said, would be an empty cross.  Three days later they had an empty tomb and they still did not believe, nor did the disciples (Mark 16:6-8).  What had blinded them?  Not their study of the Old Testament - that should have turned the light on.  It was not lack of information: they had evidence of many miracles which confirmed Jesus' words (John 14:11).  Tragically, in their hearts, they had turned their backs on the Light of the world because they would not bend their proud wills to His authority.  They were no better than the adjacent criminals, who poured out their scorn.

Gospel ministry always faces this conflict.  The rebellious will sneer where the believing rejoice.  The conflicts are often felt in the family, at work, and in leisure time.  For new Christians this can be quite a shock but like Jesus we must endure it.  However, that endurance has a great purpose (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4).  As we walk with Jesus and suffer for Jesus we become like Jesus (Philippians 3:10).  As others see how we live and understand what we say, some will grasp that Jesus died for people like them - the religious know-alls, arrogant lawbreakers and the smugly self-righteous.  That remains the purpose of the cross: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18).  The purpose of our lives in following Jesus is to worship Him by making Him known … not just in the church but in the workplace and community as well.