The death of Jesus was a clash with the empire. Previous messiahs gathered armies and weapons to destroy the empire and establish another kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom renounces military might as the way of accomplishing it. He did not go after His enemies with the sword, but with love, even if it meant they might kill Him. When He said, “Take up your cross,” that is what He meant. The disciples came to understand that, and they too also died at the hands of the political and religious powers of this world while pouring God’s love on it.
“And Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.’” John 12:23-26 (ESV)
(You are reading from the book “The Master’s Table”, by H. Lamar Smith.)
