A Sorrowful Choice
It was only after John was beheaded—about two years into Jesus’ three-year ministry—that Jesus began to speak of his own mission as one of sacrificial death.
Seeing that there was no hope with John gone to achieve the beginnings of the physical Kingdom of Heaven on earth during his lifetime, Jesus determined to go the path of suffering and sacrifice that had been alternatively prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22).
When Jesus announced his decision to his disciples, Peter reacted with shock. “May it never be!” he exclaimed. But Jesus was now committed, so he said, “Get behind me, Satan!” If Jesus had been telling his disciples all along that he had come in order to go the way of the cross, not one of them would have been surprised, least of all Peter.
It was a shift as dramatic as the difference between horizontal and vertical (in the realm of direction). Blocked from “horizontally” building the Kingdom by extending his teaching, lifestyle, and God-relationship to multitudes on earth, Jesus sought to create a new “vertical” opening for humanity to connect with God through his ultimate sacrifice.
If he performed this sacrifice with spotless purity, humility, and unflinching forgiveness and love, then it would open a lustrous way for anyone on earth to reconnect with God by “simply” following the way of Jesus (not as easy, though, as it may seem). Not nearly as good a result as delivering the worldwide Kingdom of God of peace and love, but not bad either—though few have genuinely and fully pursued Jesus’ path.
How This Helps Us Have a Real Relationship With the Real Jesus
When we realize that the success Jesus brought through his crucifixion was limited, compared with what he could have accomplished through building God’s Kingdom of love on earth, we’re no longer complacent, or even arrogant (God forbid) over our own salvation through Jesus.
We then seek to take our salvation to the next level that Jesus yearns to see in us: the level of a life of unremitting and ever-purer love. As Peter urges us, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
Spiritual Exercises
● Reflecting on the contrast between Jesus’ crucifixion and his original vision for the Kingdom of God, spend time meditating on passages like Matthew 9:35-38, where Jesus laments the spiritual harvest and desires more workers. Contemplate the potential of the Kingdom that could have been realized through Jesus’ continued ministry. Pray for forgiveness for any complacency in your own faith and a renewed commitment to actively participate in building God’s Kingdom.
● Viewing salvation as the beginning of a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and development (“without holiness, no one will see the Lord”—Hebrews 12:14), reflect on 1 Peter 2:2 and the image of “craving pure spiritual milk.” Commit to a daily practice of spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture study, and other means of deepening your relationship with God. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow in your faith, recognizing that salvation is not a destination but a starting point to full harmony with God.
● Translate your salvation into a life of active love and service to others. Identify specific ways to express your love for God and others through acts of service. This could include volunteering at a local charity, mentoring a young person, or advocating for policies of compassion in your neighborhood and community. Set a goal to consistently engage in acts of love, allowing your faith to be expressed in tangible ways.
● Envision and actively participate in the building of God's Kingdom on earth. Spend time envisioning a world transformed by the love of God. Pray for the guidance and strength to participate in the building of this Kingdom in your own life and community. Look for opportunities to collaborate with others who share this vision, working together to create a more righteous, loving, and compassionate world.