Sumgmu’s Monthly Message, March 2026

We are getting deep in Lent, and I ask myself, “Why was Jesus crucified?” There could be many different answers. Is it because God forced him to die on the cross? As I read the Bible, I conclude that Jesus had chosen to be crucified. In fact, he had many chances to avoid the crucifixion.

The gospel of Matthew says, “The chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, although many false witnesses came forward.” When they testified against him, Jesus could have defended himself, but he was silent.

The high priest asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?” Jesus could have answered, “Are you kidding me? Of course not!” But he said, “Yes, I am.” Then, the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed!” And the council responded, “He deserves death.” Then, they spat in his face, and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?” This is an incredible humiliation. It is hard to believe that this is Jesus whom we have called Lord.

What do you want Jesus to do in this terrible situation? Honestly, what do you want him to do? We want him to act like the son of God. We want him to call the angels of heaven and order them to kill all those who had humiliated him. We want to see them suffering in the unquenchable fire and begging for their life. However, Jesus chose to be silent, helpless, and powerless. We do not like that. However, this is Jesus whom we believe in.

This might be good news and at the same time, not so good news. It is good news because we have been saved from sins as Jesus died helplessly on the cross. And it is not so good news because we are asked to do the same as the followers of Jesus Christ. Lent is a good time to be reminded that Christians are those people who follow Jesus Christ, who did not teach us to control others by power or by violence but to love our neighbor as ourselves.

This may not be popular in our modern society, but this is what Jesus showed us in this world. We Christians believe that a whole new world began, and the world was changed forever on Good Friday at noon at Calvary. This may not be popular in our society, but this is what Jesus showed us on the cross. Amen.

Sungmu Lee