What's the Verdict? Part 2

My ears perked up.

What could Jesus possibly say to defend me? I've been, at times, a wretch of a man . . . an undeniable sinner who denied Him time and time again. My self-destructive decisions made me not only relate, but fully understand what Paul spoke of when he said the good I want to do, I do not . . . but the very thing I HATE, I do. (Romans 7:15).

So what could Jesus, my Savior, the very Entity who walked earth with NO sin, who even though he was Deity did not rely on His supernatural strength to resist temptations while in his human form, say or present that would reverse the inevitable guilty verdict?

While I knew, in my mind, of my impending doom, I remained hopeful. Why? Because far TOO many times to count in my life has a situation looked so bleak, or appeared to so dim, and only to see Jesus swoop in to do exceedingly more than I could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I have learned with Him the impossible becomes possible . . . just through touching the hem of His garment (Luke 8:40-48).

Did He always answer every prayer I wanted with a yes? Nope, far from it . . . but I am SO glad He did not. After all, what trust and dependency would that require of me if he always gave me everything I want?

I held on to a glimmer of hope because the very Author of hope was on the stand. This was not my pastor, friends, parents or siblings (Obligated? Hmmm. . . no they are the only ones, before your death, required, by law, to say nice things about you, right?)

Exhibit A. Three nails and a piece of wood

When Jesus removed the lid and revealed to everyone in the court room the contents under it, great wonderment filled the place. Like removing a turkey from the oven, emotion permeated the court room . . the Christians were moved to tears, while non-believers were piqued with curiousity as to what these four things could possibly mean.

'Two thousand years ago,' Christ said.

'Dad felt the separation of his creation (humans). Felt is an understatement. He was overwhelmed with sadness, even flooding earth with his tears at one point (Genesis 6:13), and anger because of the way human beings had turned their back on Him beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden."

'I had never seen Dad that way. He desperately longed for them to be close to Him like they were in the garden after He made Adam from dust. So one day I'm sitting beside Him and He says I have a job for you son. It won't be easy, I remember His thunderous voice cracking with emotion, but it all WILL be worth it,' Jesus said.

The Judge's eyes filled with tears as they rolled down his cheeks. While it was clear He was listening, He was vividly recalling that conversation with His Son. Sure the Judge could've chosen ANYTHING to serve as the necessary sacrifice to reconcile His beloveds to Him, but what better way to demonstrate agape than to sacrifice the most precious One to Him-- His only Son?

Yeshua continued, 'On the Mount of Olives, I tried my best to talk Dad out of His 'wonderful' plan (Luke 22:42), but it was no use. Once Dad has His mind made up, that's it. End of story. Plus, there is nothing that brings me more pleasure than pleasing my Father, so I agreed to it."

'I pulled out all the stops . . . I even sweat blood for crying outloud. But Dad wouldn't budge. The day after was beyond anything I could've conjured up. They punched me, kicked me, spat on me, whipped me and dug a crown of thorns into my head. With the meat being ripped off my bones, blood pouring out of me like a fountain, the beating continued. Who would've ever thought humans could have contained so much hatred?

Jesus stopped for a moment, cutting his eyes to the prosecutor.
'I know you were behind that. Any way, where was I.'

'While the pain was unimaginable, Dad sustained me. The whole time they were doing it, two things carried me through: Pops' words telling me it will all be worth it and my, well our (remember we are three in one) love for each one of you. Love isn't the word we use, we say agape, which basically means relentless, passionate, unconditional, all encompassing.'

Jesus described the sheer agony of the nails being hammered into His wrists and feet, the brokenheartedness of seeing his family, friends and disciples having to witness it all. The hurts on their faces and the helplessness they felt. Looking into His mother's eyes while gazing down from the cross, knowing He could have angels rescue Him or just call Dad and all the suffering would be over, but he resisted.

And let me just tell you, it sounds like Michael and Gabriel, among many of the other seraphims and cherubims wanted a piece of those humans and demons who were responsible for their King's pain and suffering.

The devil, and legions of demons, tempted Him each step of His journey to the Place of the Skull (Golgotha), but Jesus resisted. He thought and even said aloud, 'If this is what it takes, it's a small price to pay.

As Jesus gestured to Exhibit A . . . eyes widened at the sight of the the iridescent holes in each of His wrists. It was a strange and powerful moment to behold as I glanced behind me to see people fall on their knees, 'Forgive me Lord. I didn't think you were real. I thought you were like the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy. I thought you were fake or something somebody conjured up so they could have comfort and more of a purpose. I ask you into my heart to be my Savior,' a businessman, dressed to the nines, said as he raised his arms to Heaven before kneeling prostrate before His Lord.

Satan hissed.

'Your honor are you going to allow this," he said outraged of the sudden outbursts taking place on every aisle of the courtroom.

'There must be order!'

The judge glared at Satan, peering into his eyes before the father of lies cast them to the ground, cowered, and simply said, 'I Am.'