“…Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:8
When the Lord Jesus was hanging on the cross, He uttered this prayer: “…Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) One wonders, as a result of this prayer, if there was a delay in Jerusalem’s prophetic destruction some seventy years later, after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Again, one wonders if the effects of Pentecost were of such magnitude, with the “kingdom of God” coming in the hearts of many, that judgement was deferred. In any event, we see that this man, who is called Jesus, on the cross, was not only the perfect man, but God in the flesh. Scripture tells us that the “princes of this world” did not know who He was. Jesus Himself, would declare that there was an ignorance of who He was in the hearts of the minds and hearts of those who rejected, and crucified Him. And yet, the ignorance of men would not stop the Lord Jesus from becoming the Savior of the world, in utter humility and selflessness. Why did Christ take on this body which was prepared for Him, living among sinful men for thirty years, and then, enter into intense spiritual conflict with the enemy of men’s souls, to deliver those who believed in Him, “…from the power of darkness, and, “translate them into the kingdom of His (God’s) dear Son.” (Col. 1:13) How could He ever accomplish this monumental task, taste death for every man, conquer all the principalities and powers of darkness, in the face of human ignorance, and depravity, being heard and believed? The answer is simple, and it is expressed in the following words of a hymn: “…O teach me what it meaneth, For I am full of sin; And grace alone can reach me, and love alone can win.” Christ took upon Himself flesh and blood, humbled Himself before the Father, became a servant of the Father, but also of men, “living and dwelling among us,” that we might see and understand. When Scripture tells us that Christ tasted death for every man, it is revealing that the Lord Jesus, not only went forth as the good Shepherd to seek the lost, lone sheep on the mountains, but that He descended into the depths of human depravity, helplessness, and oppression by the devil, to save any and every soul who would respond to His words, “Come unto Me.” For the crowds who surrounded Him during His ministry, there were many who believed, but many who did not. There were those who understood, as Peter declared: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16) But there were many others who “…crucified the Lord of Glory.” When Pentecost came, this man of Galilee, this carpenter of Nazareth, suddenly became more than another “prophet.” He became to many, of many nations, the Lord, the King, the “Mighty God,” and the Prince of peace. So, how approachable is Christ, and can one truly draw near to Him in reality “…on earth, as it is in heaven?”
One of the great truths concerning Christ in regard to those who came seeking Him was this, He did not cast out a single one. Even Judas, who would betray Him, was not cast out before the disciples. Christ revealed His love and truth to him for as long as Judas was willing to be exposed to this true light. It would only be when Judas would no longer endure Christ’s presence, the conviction of sin becoming unbearable, that Judas would choose to reject light, and embrace spiritual darkness. Satan would enter into his heart. But to all others, anyone, everyone, who would, in all honesty and sincerity, come as they were, seeking Him, could find Him. For Someone who came to save all men, to taste death for every man, the approachableness to His person, was wide open to whosoever would come. Christ humbled Himself, being made in the likeness of men, to receive, and not cast out anyone.
Dear Father, Give us grace to come to Thee in all clarity and sincerity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.