Holy Week—Walking with Jesus to the Cross

So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross by himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
—John 19:16b-18

I’d like to share with you all one of my favorite crosses. My maternal grandfather (whom we always called ‘Pa’) got into the woodworking hobby later in life. He made many pieces of furniture for my mom and aunt and uncle. He crafted hutches, molding, shelves, and even an old-style mammoth Hoosier cabinet (which he designed from scratch because he couldn’t find a plan and my mom wanted one in her kitchen). I built two nightstands with him over one summer (which I still have and use). In addition to furniture, he also made beautiful art with his scroll saw.

This cross is one of the first scroll saw pieces he ever made. He cut it out for me in high school. I remember taking it with me to college and hanging it in my dorm room. I even had the friar bless it at the Catholic university I attended. I love the simple yet intricate details on the ends of each section of the cross – almost like lace. I think there was supposed be a scrolled box that it sat in (hence the plain base of the cross), but he never made it – I’ve always kind of liked the look as it is – unfinished – like us. 

On this Good Friday, I’m reminded of an anthem I remember playing for the small choir at the little American Baptist church I played for in high school. Probably right around the same time my Pa gave me this cross. I specifically remember the chorus of that little song: “He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy the world, and set him free.  He could have called ten thousand angels, but he died alone for you and me.”

Prayer

God of Salvation, we thank You on this Good Friday. Help us truly feel how much You love us through Jesus’ very own sacrifice. Help us to know that he could have called ten thousand angels to save himself, yet he chose not to, so that he could save each and every one of us. Amen.