A Man for Others

“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17), even when he is on a cross. In the Garden, Jesus protected his disciples from being caught up in the fray. After all, he was not leading an insurrection against the Jewish nation or Roman rule. This was his job alone, which had to do with an entirely different kind of “kingdom.”

He healed the severed ear of Malchus (John 18:10; Luke 22:51). Was Malchus a lead attacker as servant of the high priest there at Caiaphas’ behest? He was close enough to the front of the action for Peter to attack him.

Jesus prayed for his accusers because he said they didn’t realize what they were doing (Luke 23:34ms).

Despite his agony he quoted Psalm 22:1 (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), which should have made them realize they were fulfilling a set of predictions about the evildoers spoken of later in the Psalm they knew well (22:16; note 22:8 + Matthew 27:43).

He promised the repentant mocker on the other cross that he would be in Paradise with him that same day. That hope would help him endure the rest of his crucifixion and the breaking of his legs that would bring on suffocation (Luke 23:40-43).

He had John take Mary home away from watching her son suffer (John 19:26-27).

Such efforts put meaning into words like “loves at all times.” In this observance we are entering into the experience of his life and death of eternal love for us.