Christ who gave us life and light,Truth of God unshaken.
For our sake, at dead of night,
Like a thief was taken.
Led before a shameless crowd,
False their accusation.
Mock'd, derided, put to scorn,
For the world's salvation.
Last night Son#2 and I went to hear Johann Sebastian Bach's "The Passion According to St John." What can I say? It was incredible!
In this week leading up to Easter it was a timely reminder of what our Saviour suffered in order that our sins might be forgiven and we be brought back into a right relationship with Him.
Bach's Passion focuses very much on Jesus' trial and suffering. It ends with His death. When I first read through the programme I was a little disappointed to see that it wasn't going to end on a more triumphant note but as I thought about it, I realised that it was good to spend some time thinking about all that He suffered on my behalf. Next Sunday we will focus very much on His Resurrection - He is Risen! - and what that means, but is it possible that, uncomfortable with death and suffering, we sometimes gloss over it a little bit? Do we ever take the time to really stop and reflect on what it cost Him and the Father? To take a few moments to dwell on the physical cost?
It's easier to concentrate on the "happy ending" - and we should because if Jesus' death was the end we would have no hope - but let us not forget that His suffering was all a part of the Father's plan and that without the shedding of blood there can be no redemption of sins.
Thy bonds, O Christ, have set us free
And brought us our salvation.
They stripes have healed our agony,
And cleansed us from transgression.
Without thy bondage Lord of all,
We had been slaves for evermore.
(Painting by Francisco Zurbarab, 1598-1646.)
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