This Easter I encourage you to drink deeply of the implications of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Through the various people involved in the biblical accounts of the Cross, many of the faulty human characteristics that show us our need for a savior are revealed. Here are a few of the people and thoughts on their flaws:

1)The religious leaders who plotted and stirred the people up to kill Jesus. These are like people today who use popular sway, secret alliances, deception and treachery as a means to manipulate and control. This is frequently a form of evil done in the name of good.

2)Both Pontius Pilate who knowingly condemned an innocent man because of political ease and Herod who passed the buck back to Pilate. This reveals the weakness we have to avoid our responsibility to defend the innocent and the lack of courage to stand for what is right in light of potential unpleasant fallout.

3)Those soldiers who who killed Jesus. These are the people who excuse themselves from guilt by saying, "I'm just doing my job," or, "I'm just following orders," without taking responsibility for the moral content of their actions.

4)John and the women at the cross: those who looked on as Jesus was killed. Helpless, powerless victims of circumstance. Brave enough to associate with Jesus in His suffering but powerless to make a difference.

5)Those who ran away when He was arrested. Most of the disciples fled as soon as there was trouble. A week before, they were proud to be associated with Jesus as He triumphantly entered Jerusalem, riding across coats and palm branches to the shouts of Hosanna. But as soon as things turned for the worse, they were gone. This is the timid fearful Christian of modern times; confident inside the church but invisible outside and gone whenever there is trouble.

6)The one who betrayed Jesus for money with a kiss. Judas loved money and was stealing from Jesus' ministry fund. In the same way, we can steal from Jesus' ministry fund by not giving tithes and offerings (see Malachi 3). Because of Judas' corrupt heart, he became so enraged at Jesus' use of expensive ointment that he betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. And he did so with an act of love... a kiss. Christians who do not participate in giving are always the first to turn and criticize. They will always boast of their great love for God, but very quickly betray their relationships.

7)Peter, the one who, under pressure, denies ever knowing Jesus and quickly deteriorates into a vulgar, cursing liar. Poor guy ran his big mouth and then stuck his foot in it. This is Christian who brags of his infallible faith among the Christians but not so much in the real world. Hmmmmm.

8)The mindless mob who called for His death. These people reveal the human weakness to think we know something when we do not. The pundits, preachers, prognosticators and politicians offer us irrefutable proof and evidence from every perspective and for every opposing opinion. We tend to follow the voices we find most agreeable like lemmings, without credible proof, and then close our eyes and minds to any contradiction. Christians must know why we believe what we believe in the spiritual stew of modern culture. We can no longer afford the bliss of ignorance like medieval gray-faced peasants.

9)The two thieves. What flows out when one is under pressure reveals the secrets of the heart. Both are thieves. Both are guilty of wrong. From one comes anger and accusation and from the other comes humility and submission. That we would learn to respond like the latter.

These are just a few of the characters involved directly in the Cross of Christ. Their flaws and weaknesses are no different than ours. As we consider Easter let us remember that Christ did not die for righteous people but sinners. The Father's great love was manifested toward us in paying the necessary penalty for our redemption and giving us the opportunity to forsake the old and embrace the new!

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1