Image by Tod Polson via Flickr
This is part of a series of posts based on the Churches Together in England publication one light: one world. If you click on the link you will find the biblical texts. This post of the same name covers the purpose of this series.
John 12:32
One verse today, from John. John differs from the synoptic gospels because he climbs inside the story, telling it from an inner perspective. All the gospels are post-resurrection, John takes this to the furthest point those who chose the canon could tolerate.
Why should all people be drawn to a man on a cross? It is difficult to imagine, living in a country where we have no death penalty.
I imagine most people treat executions as 'there but for the grace of God go I'. 'I'm just relieved I'm not being executed.' Perhaps some people delight in judicial killing, they see justice enacted before their eyes. Whose justice?
The point is, physical force is used as the ultimate last resort for the powers and authorities. The Christian story negates this power. They no longer have any means to scare us into compliance with their delusions of perfection.
Some find God on the cross offensive. God is supposed to be perfect. If God hasn't got things sorted, what hope have we? It is bad enough believing God could be incarnated as a mere human being. But then for him to be treated in this way ...
Eventually, the penny drops. How else can God approach us, except from the cross? If God comes in some other form, how are we tell God from all the ego-maniacs who would possess our souls?
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