Believe it or not, those costumed soldiers are about to nail a man up on a cross. Here in the Philippines there is a city called San Fernando; and every year since the 1950's there has been a group here that reenacts the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday. I got to go and see it two days ago--it was super hot, and I have the sunburn to prove it.
It was a very interesting experience. I went with a professor, Dr. Fletcher Tink, and some of his students. We all noticed how different this crucifixion was to Christ's, but Dr. Tink also noted how similar it must have been. The day was a total spectical. There were vendors constantly walking up to me to ask if I wanted to buy a hat or a drink. After I bought a hat, some came up to ask if I wanted to buy another one. There were police in camo with M-16's standing guard--real ones this time, and I'm not sure why. It seemed rather extreme for scaring away pick-pockets. There were indeed pick pockets there, too. Many people, mostly those who were obviously tourists, came to the registration tent to report that their wallet or camera had gone missing. The news was present, and there was a special area for out of town guests. And after the two Jesus's were nailed to the cross, the people cleared out. Dr. Tink noted that for Jesus' crucifixion, there were soldiers, officials, and probably out-of-towners and messengers as well. He suspected there might have even been vendors.
We talked to a local about the events, and we asked if the actors and those who whipped themselves would still do it if tourists didn't come. He said they probably would. Even still, the event seemed to be a spectacle to me. I know for those who engaged in these forms of penitence, it was very real, and it was an important statement of faith and devotion to them. It still seemed unreal that there could be a salesperson selling Sponge-Bob and Dora the Explora balloons while two men are being nailed to a cross.
I realized that Jesus death was a spectacle when it happened. Only a handful of people present believed in who He really was. Everyone else present treated His death with little regard. His life was without value to them. He was just another nameless face, who would die just another nameless death. All the while, people were probably selling stuff in the background. He was just another nobody who was only worthwhile, because he provided a profitable venue.
One of the musicians that I have discovered later in my young life is Rich Mullins. He wrote one song called, "Man of No Reputation," and the lyrics of the chorus are:
He was a man of no reputation
And by the wise considered a fool
When He spoke about faith and forgiveness
In a time when the strongest arms ruled "
Jesus, you lived and died, and rose again without seeing fame or worldly power. But your kingdom is not of this world, and your fame does not come the praise of humanity. On that day, with only a handful of people knowing what was going on, you were plunged into death, without being consumed, like five men in the fire, who did not even smell like smoke. You went to the land of the dead, and busted down its doors. Your death may have seemed meaningless spectacle at the time, but you have found it pleasing
to proclaim good news to the poor
to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
And you have risen again. In suffering an ignoble death, by lowering yourself to the pitiable level of humans, you have raised us up to the grace of God.
Lord, we thank you for your immeasurable gift, and we pray, teach us to live the love you have given us.
