"And the Heavens Were Silent"

At the crucifixion of Christ, we see the heart of Man...
We see hatred and fear.
We see rejection and grasping.
We see anger and mockery.
We see bitterness and rage.

At the crucifixion of Christ, we see the heart of God.
We see One who loves without limit.
We see One who embraces suffering.
We see One who invites humiliation upon Himself.
We see One who is –without reservation– concerned with His beloved.
We see One who is utterly and perfectly self-giving.

At the crucifixion of Christ...
The eternal Father did not turn His back upon His eternally-begotten Son;
Rather, He turned His face in horrific anguish and incomparable pain.

At the crucifixion of Christ...
God embraced the suffering of Man.
God was spat upon.
God was mocked.
God was rejected.
God felt the paralyzing fear and cold bitterness of death.

At the crucifixion of Christ...
Matter was embraced.
Humanity was redeemed.
God and Man were reconciled in the Person of the crucified Creator.
The One who is the very source and ground of life was put to death.

And the heavens were silent...

Thoughts concerning John 13-17...

I am astonished, considering the context of these chapters in the life of Xp, by the content therein. This, the last night of Jesus with His disciples, and what does He do?

He washes feet.
He institutes the Supper.

Judas, who has already received his pay of 30 pieces, has already begun his betrayal and is yet at table – being washed and being served.

“This is My body...”
“This is My blood...”

Remember...

And what else? He teaches.

Oh, does He teach... concerning – among other topics and themes – the nature of God, the glory of God, the presence of God, the Spirit of God, and the will of God.

Having prayed, He is arrested – betrayed by a kiss.