Unexpected Adult Things: Jesus was Bullied, too

In his adult life, Jesus was consistently and sometimes ruthlessly bullied.

He was not only accused of being a liar but an enemy of the current government. He was pushed around. Men of stature used their position to belittle him and question his motives. He was chastised for choosing to spend time with those deemed unworthy.  He was challenged to prove his origin. He was put on the spot countless times for defending those who could not defend themselves. At times, even his most trusted confidants worried about their affiliation with him.

Jesus spent his ministry dealing with issues which are still common today.

Jesus was portrayed as a dangerous individual. Some individuals in power were afraid of this man and all he was doing. His power to heal was inarguable. His authority over death was fascinating. His ability to make unclean people shine was unnerving. They thought they were manipulating the crowd when Barabbas was freed in exchange for Jesus. They played on the emotions of the weak and powerless to end the reign of this “king” they were so afraid of.

The authorities assumed once he was crucified in front of the masses, his followers would come to their senses and turn back to their old lives again. They would get their tax collectors, fisherman, and carpenters back. Their ways of ruthless governing would not be questioned. The show of force to get rid of a heretic; an example of what happens when the government is challenged. Finally, the entire scene would be deleted and he would be but a memory.

Only.

There was much wailing as he hung on that cross.

That hill was covered in his blood.

The soldiers were uncertain.

The thieves on either side represented both the redeemed and condemned.

He whispered to the Father, in the still of a moment- “It is finished.” And it was.’

The sky turned black.

Even the sun hid its face.

The cracking of rock could be heard as an earthquake tore imperative things in two.

The officials must have wondered what was happening.

Then, silence.

Mourning began.

His mother and friends retrieved his body.

He was properly prepared and buried.

They wept for three days and three nights.

The men who bullied Jesus thought they had washed their hands of him. They were certain things would now return to normal. They took to the task of rounding up the followers. They had a plan for normalcy which was based on control.

Then the announcement.

The grave where he once laid was empty. While everyone focused on finding a body and how that stone could be moved, one thing was crystal clear.  He was redeemed.

His message was redeemed. His love poured out. His truth exposed for being exactly what he said it was.

I am sure there was disappointment in the minds of those leaders who were so adamant about “getting on with life’ after his death. I am positive they would eventually understand why he was in their midst in the first place. And I am sure they realize how foolish it was to bully him and everyone else to their way of doing things. They may have found out upon their deaths, but I am sure they know now. I hope they came to their senses and were redeemed.