What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?
Wallace Benn
As Christians mark Good Friday, Wallace Benn reflects from John 19v16-42 on what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
1 - HE CREATED A COMMUNITY OF LOVE: "WOMAN BEHOLD YOUR SON! / BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER!" (JOHN 12v27)
There is a very moving scene at the foot of the cross, described for us by John who was himself present (19v25-27). Jesus' selfless care for others is on full display. Despite his own intense suffering, he is concerned for those standing faithfully by him. Mary especially must have felt devastated. There is nothing worse for a parent than to see their child die in front of their eyes, and before their own death. Jesus, whom she had carried and cared for as a child, her very special and unique son, whose birth and life had been so full of hope and joy, now crucified and dying a horrible death. Aware of her pain, and knowing now how much she would need care, Jesus says to her, "Woman behold your son!" and to his "beloved disciple" (John), "Behold your mother".
Geoff Locke: A grand testimony to the grace of Christ
Wallace Benn
The Funeral of Geoff Locke took place on 21 January and was a great occasion in a packed church full of people whose lives Geoff had touched. A likeable cheerful character, Geoff combined kindness and firm convictions in a convincing way that was a grand testimony to the grace of Christ in his life.
Geoff was the sort of lay leader that we need more of in the Church of England. Wonderfully converted subsequent to being made to think at the Billy Graham Harringay Crusade, he gave his life to Christ when taking a bath (as he joyfully recalled!) and that changed everything.
At a distance: Are we only willing to follow Jesus up to a point?
Wallace Benn
“And Peter had followed him at a distance right into the courtyard of the high priest” (Mark 14v54).
This describes the worst moment in dear Peter’s life, of which he was later so ashamed, and about which he needed the Lord’s forgiveness and reinstatement, which he graciously received (John 21). It was not that Peter had given up following Jesus, it was that at a crucial moment when he was under pressure he denied his master and Lord. Peter wanted to follow Jesus, but he did not at this time want the hassle and danger of doing so – it was all too much for him to cope with. Later Peter thankfully showed that he was more than willing to take up his cross and follow Jesus wherever that led.
