Here we approach the summit of darkness and meet the cross. Substituting a vile, blameworthy criminal the righteous Christ is viciously mocked, stricken, and crucified. It is an extremely distasteful episode showcasing the worst of humanity. Yet holy rather than heinous realities direct the scene. In the likes of an acute parody, irony reaches a fever pitch. Appearances are so opposite reality they seem to come full-circle and the mockers are mocked by Providence. The actions in this scene reveal much more than any could have anticipated. Again, more of Jesus is revealed in this darkness—the wickedness of man reveals more of the righteousness of God; the hatred of man reveals more of the love of God, and man’s plan of destruction reveals more of God’s plan of salvation. In fulfillment most unsuspecting, Christ is reigning through ridicule.
