The past few days of readings in ‘explore’ have focused on short statements or ‘sayings’ from Jesus on the cross as we lead into Easter. What’s stood out to me from all three so far is, for want of a better word, the ‘poise’ of Jesus in the midst of his agony. Not poise for the sake of manners or appearance, but poise that is driven by trust in his father and concern for others.

Whilst the natural reaction in such excruciating and bitter circumstances would be uncontrolled desire to minimise your own suffering, or to lash out in fear and anger, Jesus seems able to focus on what other people need, even now - even as he hangs on a cross moments from death. He looks with pity on the soldiers who have just crucified him, praying that God might take into account their ignorance and forgive them. He consoles and encourages one of the criminals crucified with him, reassuring him that his faith will not go unrewarded. And in todays reading, he looks with compassion on his good friend and his own mother - thinking more of their loss than hiss, and points out to them that ultimately his death will mean gain, not loss. Through what he was suffering for them, they were becoming brother and sister, mother and son, in God’s new family.

Jesus is in deep distress. He has wept and agonised in prayer over what he was now enduring. He is about to cry out to God, overwhelmed by the reality of his abandonment. And yet, at the same time, he is in control, ultimately not driven by fear, but love for those around him. I’m glad the salvation of the world was on his shoulders and not mine.