When looking at Rembrandt's painting of The Three Crosses, our attention is drawn first to the cross on which Jesus died. Then as we look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, we would be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally our eyes drift to the edge of the painting to catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadow. Some art critics say this is the representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross.
Someone said, "It is a simple thing to say that Christ died for the sin of the world. It is quite another thing to say that Christ died for my sins. It is a shocking thought that we can be as indifferent as Pilate, as scheming as Caiaphas, as callous as the soldiers, as ruthless as the mob, or as cowardly as the disciples. It wasn't just what they did- it was I who nailed Him to the cross, I crucified the Christ of God, I joined the mockery."
Put ourselves in the shadows with Rembrandt. We too are standing there. But then we recall what Jesus said as He hung on the cross. "Father, forgive them." Thank God, that includes you and me.
Have a blessed Good Friday.
@vs-odb
