A Good Friday Reflection
A Reflection on Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Good Friday provokes the ultimate and most inescapable existential crisis of them all. Christ’s cross forces our hand. Whether Jesus acted foolishly or wisely in death impacts nearly every meaningful choice for us.
The seemingly cleverer among us prefer to stick to our wits. We consider the cross to be an emotionally moving metaphor for our own sacrificial motivations, but we also ask why Jesus lacked our rationalism. Why not settle his Messianic fantasy and enjoy the life of a distinguished rabbi? Such is obviously the way of true enlightenment. Hence, we sit dumbfounded at the appearance of one who could not discriminate as we would in the heat of the moment (Isa. 52:14). Jesus could help others but not help himself (Matthew 27:41-44).
Kierkegaard tells us, “It is obvious that the temporal order cannot be the transparent medium of the Eternal” (from Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing). In other words, if we take the less rational road, then we find it impossible to synthesize the spirit of the age with the mystery of the Spirit who sets sharp boundaries on human reason. Both the infinite and finite are roommates in the human soul, yet neither seem to be on good speaking terms. Perhaps there is always more than meets the eye with the infinite God since his thoughts are not ours. Blessed therefore are those who slow down enough to see themselves as sheep who have strayed while also trusting the Servant who acted wisely (Isa. 52:13).
Transcendent God, may we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, trusting that the mystery of the One wounded for our transgressions is the personal, redemptive God and not just a mythical ruse.