Death is defeated

Crucifixion was nasty business — but far more intimate than we often think.

You see, contrary to the pictures of crucifixion we see in movies and popular paintings, crucified people weren’t towering on crosses 10 feet above the ground.

People were actually crucified at eye level. This means the ultimate in human suffering was on full display and within arm’s reach.

Let’s read today’s verse for more context:

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

John 19:26–27

John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) and Mary, Jesus’ mother, stood next to Jesus.

The disciple saw his master with a bloody crown of thorns stuck into his skull. And Jesus’ mom watched, helpless as her miracle of a Son died before her eyes.

Jesus looked at them and essentially said, “Mother, my friend John will take care of you. John, watch out for my mother as if she was your own.”

If you’re a parent (like I am), imagine yourself there with one of your kids. I don’t want to be emotionally cruel to you — but the gravity of this moment is hard to comprehend unless we enter into it.

Jesus’ own mother was close enough to hear her Son’s words, to look him in the eyes and see him dying.

How on earth can we call a day like this good?

We can because three days later, this murdered Messiah stepped out of the grave. Death could not hold him. Jesus’ fate was not the tomb, it was the salvation of the world.

Death is defeated. Eternity with God is secured. And our hope is anchored in an unshakeable moment in history: the crucifixion and resurrection God himself.

It is this new life we are joined in.

Remember the weight of what it means to put your faith in Jesus: you are secured by the same power that rose him from the grave.

Tell your children. Tell your friends. Tell your coworkers.

Tell the world: Jesus lives.

Today’s author: Jordan Loftis, author and host of Bible Better.