Matthew 27, the Trial & Crucifixtion

Walter Hancock,The Garden of Gethsemani (bronze, 1965–66), The Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, Bardstown, Kentucky

I had forgotten the detailed and brutal depiction of the crucifixion via Matthew 27--so full of specific imagery, mockery, betrayal, and the oddly passive attitude of Christ toward the events as they unfold. Jesus was such an odd mix of unabashed confrontation (throwing over tables in the temple and verbally flaying the Pharisees right to their faces) and unnatural passivity (his attitude during the trial in particular).   Because he knew exactly what was in the heart of man (John 2:24-25), he was never taken by surprise. Sadly, he knew the depths to which we could sink.

Pilate Washing His Hands by He Qi, China

One of the most convincing pieces of the evidence for His resurrection for me is the heart and life change of the disciples AFTER the crucifixion.  They are such a cowardly and unresolved bunch here and in Matthew 26--they can't stay awake when asked, they flee when he's arrested, Peter--the closest--follows only to lie when quizzed, Judas hangs himself.  What a bleak group.  I wish I didn't see so much of my cowardly self in them.  Of course, they are a completely different creature in Acts which gives me hope for us all...