THEY MISSED IT

“What is going on?  Did I miss a holiday?”

“Another crucifixion.  It is that street preacher.   Want to go?”

“Na.  Seen one crucifixion, seen them all.  Besides, my little lady has a to-do list and I better work on that.  Baking bread, for the early market, sure makes me tired.  Free bread is a good benefit, but all I want to do is go home and sleep.”

“After the to-do list of course.”

“Of course.  Maybe she is in this crowd and won’t be home. She thought this Jesus was a great teacher.  She even used the word Messiah one day.  If she is in this crowd — hey, move over, we are trying to get home — anyway, if she is here, she can tell me all about it when she gets home.”

And the two men went home.  

They missed it.  Mary did not miss it.  The tears filled her eyes as she saw her son hanging on the cross.  Mary kept rubbing her hands, as if surprised there were no nails.  Her whole body had shook with each hit of the hammer.  And the sound…metal on metal …the sound echoed in her head like thunder.  She controlled her breathing.   She did not want to pass out.  She wanted Jesus to see her standing tall and not once did she hide her eyes.   Mary had no idea where her strength was coming from.  It was as if God himself was supporting her.  

And in an instant, Mary was no longer looking up at the cross.  She was in a stable.  Holding her son.  Son.  What an amazing word.  And Jesus was perfect.  How could a baby’s eyes seem to see into her soul.   As she drew the baby to her breast, 

Jesus was speaking to her.   — When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭30‬

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭42‬

And the Jewish Sabbath began. 

The two men who went home?  For them, it is a normal day.  They did their job.  They went home.  They missed it.