BEING A VICTIM

Hampton Park, Charleston, SC 

Today is Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus' suffering and death on a cross. He was betrayed by his own people, then turned over to the Romans who crucified him. 

It is a most troubling and humbling day of remembrance. 

One of the most humble, kind, and loving human beings who ever lived on this earth was flogged, tortured, and then nailed to a wooden cross. As he gasped for breath, he looked down on a scornful crowd. "If you're the son of man, come down from that cross!" they jeered. 

 Beloved Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit and power, was a victim.  How can this be?

Although Jesus is a role model for many of us, being a victim is the last thing most of us want to experience.  Don't we pity victims as weak, powerless, and passive? Of course, we want to be thought of as strong, capable, and in charge! 

Even Jesus struggled with relinquishing his will to submit to the horrors that lay ahead of him.  As he prayed in the garden of Gethsemenee the night before his death, he finally let go and prayed, "Not my will, but Your will be done."  But Scripture informs us there was much anguish of spirit before his relinquishment. 

We've all been victims in our lives. Many of us experienced childhood in a dysfunctional family; most women have experienced sexual harassment; many women have been raped; a good number of people have been betrayed by a partner who was abusive. Some have been victimized by those in the church they trusted.  Most of us have been blamed for something over which we had no control.  Victims all.  

What do we learn from Jesus about being a victim? 

Jesus showed us that is possible to be a victim with only love, compassion and forgiveness in our hearts, even for our tormentors. He showed us that love is stronger than abuse, stronger than death.

Jesus showed us what it looks like when love has taken over your very being, body, soul, and spirit.  

Lord, as we remember Jesus' suffering today, help us to understand how to more fully surrender to the power of love.  Help us to forgive our enemies and to bless those who persecute us.   Help us to return blessing for cursing.  Help us to give a gift in return for mistreatment.  For Jesus sake who leads the way to Live Everlasting.  Amen.