Daily Devotion:

Title: Whose Fault?

Date: May 11, 2013

Who is to blame for Jesus’ death? Some say the Jews. Some say the Romans. They are both wrong, and that’s Gospel, baby.

God required this death of Jesus. On the eve of his death, Jesus tries squirming out of the deal in a heart-to-heart with God. In Matthew,* it says, “… he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it’s possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’” God wants it. Bummer.

In Mark,** “He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’”

In John,*** Pilate says, “Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” “You realize, don't you, that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?" Jesus answers, “You have no authority over me at all, except what was given to you from above.” Meaning — from God.  

According to John,**** Jesus knows it is going to happen, makes it happen, and lets it happen. He says, “No one takes it (life) from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’”

It’s not about blame. It’s about choice. Jesus chooses. God chooses. The rest are just players on the stage.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, enough of centuries of blame and fanning the flames of conflict and divisiveness. Heal Christians of our unrighteous accusations, and our name blaming. Amen.

Here’s a Thought: God said it. Jesus chose it.

Sources:

*Matthew 26:39 NRSV

**Mark 14:36 NRSV

***John 19:10-11 NRSV

****John 10:18 NRSV