On Good Friday Christians recall that Jesus died on the cross, the Holy One of God between two thieves. That was where He intended to be. On Calvary He was the Divine One between God and humanity, suffering and dying to bring people back to God. From the time of His birth He was destined to be the “Man in the Middle,” the One who would reconcile people and God.
Two
thieves were crucified with Him on Good Friday, but only one recognized the “Man in the Middle.” Most thieves see
their surroundings, who is watching them and what is taking place. Both of
those thieves knew they belonged on Calvary, but only one realized the “Man in the Middle,” shouldn’t have been
here. Despite his hopeless condition, the observant thief didn’t want to die
alone. He rebuked the unrepentant thief and reached out to Jesus, the One who
did not belong there. Jesus offered him eternal life because of his faith, and
He does the same for all who realize they need forgiveness and seek Him in
faith.
Jesus
came to earth to be the “Man in the Middle,”
the Mediator between God and people. “There is one God, and there is one
Mediator between God and people, the man Christ Jesus.” (1
Timothy 2:5) A mediator tries
to bring factions to resolution and peace, and no one has done it better than
Jesus. “He was put to death for our sins, but raised again for our
justification.” (Romans 4:25)
Sin
separates people from God, but Jesus’ resurrection unites us. The resurrection
of Jesus is proof He is God’s Son who has done all that is necessary to restore
people to God through forgiveness of sins. He is risen indeed!
Maybe being the middle is just where God wants you to be.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
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