When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Luke 23:48-49 (NIV)
Read: Luke 23:26-56
Consider: I was listening to a news report earlier about how people react when a major incident takes place. It seems there is an increasing trend today for individuals to take out their mobile phones and to record the incident, perhaps to pass the footage to the police, or to share on social media. This got me thinking about how the people who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion reacted to what was happening.
Luke 23 records the death of Jesus on the cross and gives us insights into the reactions of various individuals and groups of people. In Luke 23:48 it tells us: ‘… all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away‘. These were the spectators, the curious. Some had perhaps seen Jesus perform miracles, or perhaps had heard him speak to the crowds. They might just have heard of the spectacle that was about to take place and came along to see what happened. Whatever their reasons, they all could later testify that they had been there when Jesus died. However, they weren’t going to let it affect them too much. They did ‘beat their breasts’, but then they ‘went away’.
A more positive reaction can be seen in the response of the centurion, who we are told: ‘praised God and said, Surely this was a righteous man’ (6:47); a reaction, but not life-changing.
Those who were closest to Jesus had a different reaction again. Luke 23:49 tells us: But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. His followers, who earlier had declared that Jesus was God’s Messiah, stood at a safe distance, probably fearful for their own safety. We must be careful not to condemn them for this because we would most likely have done the same. However, while Jesus’ followers stood at a distance, they did not desert him (unlike the crowd who went away).
Finally, there is the reaction of Joseph of Arimathea recorded in Luke 6:50-53. He was a member of the council that had condemned Jesus, although he had not agreed with their decision. He was willing to risk his reputation (and perhaps even his life) when he went to Pilate and asked for permission to bury Jesus. We are not told in the Bible of any repercussions there may have been for Joseph, but I’m sure the Jewish authorities weren’t too pleased with his actions.
So what is your reaction to Jesus? Are you curious, but have not allowed him to change you (perhaps you have even walked away)? Maybe you are like the centurion, seeing Jesus as a righteous man, but not recognising his true identity? Or are you like his immediate followers who stayed at a safe distance, playing safe, keeping your faith hidden? Maybe you are like Joseph of Arimathea who was willing to risk all for Jesus? The bottom line is that the claims of Jesus warrant a reaction from us all.
Pray: Father, may we be honest in considering our reaction to the claims of Jesus. May we be willing to take risks for you, not keeping you at arms length, watching from a safe distance. Amen
Every blessing
No Condemnation 