WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF YOU?

by Rev Derrick Lau, Executive Director of MMS. He loves to explore Meshtastic in his free time.

They crucified Him.

Though the crucifixion of Jesus took place more than 2,000 years ago, its message of atonement remains at the very heart of the kerygma, i.e. the proclamation of the Gospel today.

"Crucifixion, an important method of capital punishment particularly among the Persians, Seleucids, Carthaginians, and Romans from about the 6th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor, abolished it in the Roman Empire in the early 4th century CE out of veneration for Jesus Christ, the most famous victim of crucifixion." (Source: britannica.org)

In the season of Lent, Bishop Philip Lim reminded us: “We are reminded of the price Jesus paid on the cross. We are also reminded of how deeply sinful and undeserving we are and that it is only through Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s love, mercy and grace that we have the hope of reconciliation and eternal life.” (Source: www.methodist.org.sg/a-holy-grief)

From a theological perspective (soteriology), Jesus’ crucifixion was necessary, as His death ushered in the redemption of the world. With that profound significance in mind, let us reflect on the responses of those who witnessed His crucifixion.

Pilate

Pilate, the Governor, appeared to have acted under pressure. His decision was a departure from justice and the protection that should have been afforded to the accused. Although Pilate found no guilt in Jesus and was prepared to release Him, he ultimately yielded to the demands of the crowd, who shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (cf. John 19:6, 15)

In an attempt to distance himself from responsibility, Pilate symbolically washed his hands before the crowd, saying: “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” (Matthew 27:24)

In the end, Pilate’s administering of justice was overwhelmed by his fear for personal safety.

This miscarriage of justice stands in contrast to modern legal standards. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 14(1), states:

“All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals. In the determination of any criminal charge against him, or of his rights and obligations in a suit at law, everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal established by law. The press and the public may be excluded from all or part of a trial for reasons of morals, public order or national security in a democratic society, or when the interest of the private lives of the parties so requires, or to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.”

This Article is highlighting the universal importance of a fair and impartial hearing—something Jesus was denied.

Others

Besides Pilate, many others witnessed Jesus’ suffering:• Peter, who denied Him three times.• The soldiers, who nailed Him to the cross and gambled for His clothes.• The bystanders, who mourned and jeered.• Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the cross to Calvary.

Each response reflected different shades of human frailty, fear, or reluctant obedience.

Our Response Today

If you had been there, how would you have responded? More importantly, what is your response to the crucifixion of Christ today?

It is inconceivable that humanity could absolve itself from the consequences of injustice and suffering. Yet, despite human failure, nothing could thwart God’s divine plan. Jesus declared: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

God remains sovereign.

What Does the Lord Require of Us?

The prophet Micah speaks directly to our response: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

The death of Christ compels us not only to marvel at the love of God but also to respond to it. We are called to proclaim the Good News, to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

Let us live in a way that honours the sacrifice of Christ, carrying His message into a world that desperately needs it.