Blood on Our Hands

While reading The Cross of Christ by John Stott, I was struck by the following quotes:

"'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?' the old [song] asks. And we must answer, 'Yes, we were there.' Not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, bargaining and handing him over to be crucified. We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate. But our attempt will be as futile as his. For there is blood on our hands. Before we begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance)" (63) ... "If the cross is not central to our religion, ours is not the religion of Jesus" (71) ... "It is impossible for us to face Christ's cross with integrity and not to feel ashamed of ourselves" (85).

Have you ever seen yourself as a guilty participant in His murder? A betrayer? Knowing the truth, but avoiding total commitment like Pilate? Resenting His authoritative demand for worship and obedience like the religious leaders? Not fitting into what I want a Savior to be like Judas? Have you seen the Cross in light of your sins, that your sins put Him there, or has it become a history lesson this time of year?

Work hard to continually see yourself in light of the Cross. When you do, you see yourself as you really are.