“Well then. . .” The story of Jesus’ suffering is described very harshly. So much the more startling is its beginning in a casual style of speaking.

 

At the foot of the cross, Jesus is being mocked: “Well then, you who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:29, ESV + our translation).

 

“Well then. . .” is what we ourselves have said. Jesus was made a spectacle. Along with the scribes, the religious leaders joined in with the mockery: “He helped others; he cannot help himself.” (Mark 15:31, ESV + our translation)

 

Involuntarily, the mockers testified to the person and actions of Jesus. They stated a fact. He did help others: those in need and difficulty, the sick and the grieving.

 

The exceptional period has lasted for more than a year. The corona pandemic complicates our daily lives, uncertainty and fear fill our mind. Anxiety and restlessness overwhelm our thoughts because the future is unpredictable.

 

Who can help us? As this strange time continues, we can count on Jesus’ help. That is what the message of Easter is; it creates faith and hope for the future. After His Resurrection, Jesus promised to be with us every day until the end of the world.

 

Jesus gave an example of how we must act for one another. It is our job to help and support each other, especially now in a time of emergency.

 

The statements that were meant to dishonor Jesus turned around to glorify His omnipotence. According to an old spiritual saying, Jesus was firmly tied to the cross by the ropes of love. That’s why it was said about him, “He cannot help himself.”

 

God’s love is stronger than death. The death on the cross is its sign and the resurrection is its proof. We have hope for the future. The cross is a sign of victory.

 

“Christ rose from the dead, and overcame death, and gave life to those in the graves.”

 

Easter 2021

 

Seppo Häkkinen, Bishop of the Diocese of Mikkeli, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland