Thought: The crucifixion of Jesus viewed as a regal coronation of the King of kings, commencing the Kingdom of God on earth.
Most
enthronements of national monarchs include the following: The coronation parade with crowds
cheering and rejoicing. The king walking in royal attire, carrying the
kingdom’s scepter. The king mounted to the throne, with flattering attendants
on both sides. The royal diadem placed upon their head. Everyone hearing the
pronouncement of rulership that establishes their kingdom—a reign seen as
complete when their life is over.
The
enthronement of Jesus:
The
Via Delarosa: the
spectacle of a crowd sneering and mocking.
The
royal attire:
filthy garments, covered with sweat and blood.
The
kingdom’s scepter:
a burdensome, heavy beam.
The
throne: the
excruciating cross.
The
attendants by his side:
cursing thieves.
The
crown: thorns of
suffering.
The
chalice: a sponge of
sour vinegar.
The
pronouncement: a
sign above his head, inscribed in both local and universal languages.
The
result:
establishing his kingdom on earth that will be complete at his return.
As
we contemplate the repulsiveness of the cross, does God sees our futile actions
for achieving greatness as grotesque?
Does he see our attempts at exaltation, rooted in pride and arrogance that
often lead to greed, as a tragedy? Is he repulsed by our vain attempts for
prominence? By taking a preferred posture of humility, is he condemning our
patronizing actions as nothing more than mere nonsense?
Not
only does the crucifixion show “our thoughts are not his thoughts, neither are
his ways our ways” (Isaiah 55), not only does he reveal the true posture of
greatness (servanthood), but he is also showing, by enduring and ignoring the
shame of the cross, the perfunctory roadway to ruin that many have chosen to take. For them, it is time for a course correction.
