Voices at the cross – What would you say?

I can be quiet in a crowd.

When talkers are ramping high, my introverted side kicks in and I just listen.
I slip into the silent gap with ease.

But sometimes being quiet makes me feel like I’m boring.

And if I do have something to say, I wonder:
Would my words say anything different?

Voices at the crucifixion

VOICES
If I had been with Jesus in his final hours, what would I have said?

  • Judas kissed him and said, “Rabbi!
  • Annas the high priest drilled him with questions.
  • The assembly of the elders said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.”
  • An officer accused him, “Is that how you answer the high priest?
  • Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews? What have you done?
  • Herod provoked him, hoping to see a sign.
  • The soldiers taunted him, “Hail, King of the Jews!
  • The Jews blasted him, “Crucify, crucify him!
  • The rulers scoffed at him, “He saved others; let him save himself!
  • Bystanders derided him, “Let us see whether Elijah will save him.
  • A hanging criminal railed at him, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!
  • The other neighbor said, “Jesus, remember me in your kingdom.”
  • Jesus cried out with a loud voice, yielding up his spirit.
  • The centurion confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
  • and God said . . . nothing.

OUR WORDS
What would I have said? What would you have said?
What kind of company would we have been on that day?

I’m guessing no words would have come.
My lips sealed in fear, in helplessness, in confusion.
I would have added no value to the conversation.

BUT . . .
Easter is upon us again.
What will I say now?

What will you say?

* * *

Looking at the words that were spoken, which ones might come out of your mouth? Why? Please share.

revised from the archives

20 thoughts on “Voices at the cross – What would you say?

  1. Christy @ A Heartening Life

    I understand those introverted moments well. The quiet labeled as shy. But I have words, lots of them, and it’s a struggle sometimes to find a place for them. Your questions are intriguing. I can’t say I ever thought about my voice in the last days with Jesus. I don’t know what I would have said. I know what I would like to have said — “remember me in your kingdom.” And now? I say “thank you.”

    Christy @ A Heartening Life
    http://www.ahearteninglife.com

  2. floyd

    Good one, Lisa. I’ll speak boldly of the week and it’s miraculous changing of this world and history, and His future coming. Thanks for the reminder. It’s not time to keep silent.

  3. Janet

    Oh Lisa! There are words and there are words – some hurt, some heal, some teach, some sing, some create laughter. And then some just create. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. God breathed the word of Jesus to the world. I’m sure I would have been silent, but God? God spoke and we received love and light, forgiveness, and hope. And grace. More gifts than we have words for. The only word left for me is “Hosanna!”

  4. lisha epperson

    I’d like to think I would have said, screamed… something. Injustice of any sort hits me at the core and its hard to imagine saying nothing. I say this knowing my heart…but if I were a woman living during that time…perhaps I would have.let fear win and said nothing. This was so good Lisa. I really imagined myslef there. Your words and question will be with me as I walk towards Resurrection Sunday. Blessings.

  5. Jean Wise

    wow you made me stop and think. I often wondered what I would have done if I had been there. Shamefully would have stayed away, hidden or on the edge of the crowd. I deeply doubt if I would have defended Jesus. that is hard to admit but true. Thank heaven we have a forgiving loving, ever waiting God. Thank you Lisa for a unique way to ponder the passion today.

  6. Jen

    A very thought-provoking Easter reflection. I’m not sure what I would say, to be honest, but it’s interesting to think about. I’m stopping by from Tell His Story – thanks for sharing there! 🙂

  7. Joanne Viola

    So true. I am not sure what I would have said that day. This post has also caused me to reflect on what will I say on the day I stand before Him? Will I be able to say anything at all or will I be on my face before Him in worship? Amazing to think about this week. Thank you for sharing this post! Have a blessed Easter!

  8. Krista

    I’ve always been told I was shy. So, I guess that makes me an introvert. It really depends upon who I’m with though… If i’m amongst people I feel comfortable with I can be outgoing but, had I been there in the midst of the drama unfolding that day… I’m not sure I could speak. If I had a notepad and a pen I’d probably be writing like mad because that’s how I best communicate at times…when I can’t find my voice.
    totally going to share this post with a few friends and see how they would answer. 🙂
    Have a wonderful and blessed Easter Lisa!!

  9. Ceil

    Hi Lisa! I know that as a child, I would ask Jesus to just jump down from the cross for just a minute…and show all those doubters that he could. Now I realize that his staying right there is ultimate statement of salvation.

    I hope I would be supportive to all the family and friends of Jesus. Just standing with them would help shield them from the hate all around. I guess that doesn’t involve many words. Just holding a hand, rubbing a back…and Jesus would know that I would do that for them, because I loved him.
    Easter Blessings to you!
    Ceil

  10. Jody Lee Collins

    Lisa, I think I would have stood there and said nothing….too overcome. Maybe fallen at his feet and wept.

    (And the world needs more quiet “boring” people….so us ‘talkers’ will learn to listen.)

  11. Beth Werner Lee

    Do you know the hymn that goes:
    At the cross, at the cross
    Where I first saw the light
    And the burden of my heart rolled away:
    It was there by faith I received my sight
    And now I am happy all the day.

    I would hope to be behind Mary and cry, “Thank you, Lord.”

  12. Trudy

    I’m not so sure what I would have said or not said, Lisa. My husband and I were talking the other day that we, too, cried “Hosanna” with the mob and then days later yelled, “Crucify Him!” But if I were one of Jesus’ disciples there, I think I’d be filled with fear, sadness, and confusion to see my beloved Master hanging there when I thought He was the one who would deliver me. It’s such a blessing that we already know Jesus has risen whereas they didn’t. Jesus had told them, but I don’t think it really sunk in until after Jesus arose. Anyway, you really have me doing some deep reflection here… Thank you. Have a joy-filled Easter, Lisa!

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