Just yesterday, followers of Jesus all around the world remembered an essential historical event. The holiday is called, “Good Friday.” It is our remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.
I know that you – as Muslims – believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but that God took him up to Paradise and put his facial image on someone else – maybe Pilate, maybe Judas, maybe someone else.
But I wonder, would Pilate or Judas or anyone else say these words with nails in their hands and feet as they were being crucified:
“Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.”
(Luke 23:34)
Would Pilate or Judas or anyone else say these words as their bones were being put out of joint (part of the effects of crucifixion)?
Would Pilate or Judas or anyone else say these words as they were being mocked and ridiculed by Roman soldiers and Jewish leaders and people who were watching (yes, this happened to Jesus)?
Would Pilate or Judas or anyone else say these words as they were suffocating (the ultimate way a victim dies in crucifixion)?
My Muslim friends, I believe with all my heart that Jesus died that first Good Friday on the cross.
Not Pilate.
Not Judas.
Or anyone else.
Because no one else can love like that.
No else can love like Jesus.
Amen