"For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.J He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed."
     Isaiah 53:2-5

Remember that Jesus came from a lowly family that could afford only two doves for an offering in the temple. Although he was charismatic, we can only imagine his physical appearance, which is never described in the New Testament. And what about the effectiveness of his preaching? At the end of his perfect life and three years of preaching, primarily to his apostles, they were not fully convinced. Confused and disillusioned by his trial and execution, which he had frequently predicted in clear language, they abandoned him when he needed them most.

It was only later, with Jesus' resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, that his followers were personally transformed and remembered the events of his life as transcendent and inspirational. Now, in retrospect, we have the same perspective. We are able to correlate omnipotence, majesty, and judgment with humility, mercy forgiveness, and love.

As Christians, we are servants of God. But does this mean that we are superior to others, self-sufficient, or naturally blessed with material riches? This question was answered repeatedly in the history of the Israelites. Although they were God's chosen people, they always failed when they became arrogant, decided they didn't need God, or defined success by selfish human standards. We Christians face the same temptations -- and, like those ancient Jews, we frequently succumb.

Jesus came to explain these truths in human terms, so that we might comprehend them and apply them in our own lives. The most succinct description of Christ is as a suffering servant, and he tried to give his followers the proper definition of greatness: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant:" (Matthew 23:11).

Looked at objectively, it is extraordinary that the symbol of Christianity is the cross-something like an electric chair, a hangman's noose, or a lethal hypodermic needle. How could the instrument of the most savage human executions be so greatly exalted? It is a vivid reminder of the humanity of Jesus, who sacrificed his own perfect life that we might know the blessing of God's mercy, forgiveness, and love.

Thank you Jesus, Amen

Contributed by Melanie H.
Published Monday March 31, 2003
Week 18 of Liturgical Year B