No execution had ever caused such a stir as that of Jesus Christ.

Not only was the multitude of people gathered under the cross outstanding, but the drama of Jesus' crucifixion itself was beyond compare. After draping a purple robe over Jesus' shoulders and placing a crown of thorns on his head, he was publicly ridiculed. Passing numerous onlookers, Jesus was led to Calvary to be crucified. With him, two robbers hung on crosses, one of whom was carried away to join in the mockers' choir. Passers-by shook their heads and blasphemed about Jesus. Even those who were authorities in religiosity and rulership, Pharisees and scribes, scoffed at Jesus. Many hours were marked by laughter, mockery and shaking of heads at the One who claimed to be the King of the Jews. Until suddenly, the sky darkened. Jesus, who had been hanging on the cross for hours, cried out in a loud voice: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!" He died. The king of the Jews was dead! The drama had ended. The mocking voices fell silent. The onlookers made their way home, satisfied.

Only one - a Roman centurion who faced the crucified man and carefully observed what had happened - only he realized: "Yes, this man was really God's son!"

In the drama and chaos of our lives, in the state of emergency we are currently experiencing, it can be easy to overlook the most important things.

We are too easily carried away by general opinion. We join the pull of those who claim a right to a perfect life, a right to freedom, to independence, to unlimited consumption. Stories are broadcast in the form of pictures, videos and caricatures. We mock with the mockers. We criticize with the critics and, with fresh humor, somehow try to maneuver through this chaos of fear, uncertainty, newness, and constantly changing regulations. But despite all of this, we must not overlook one thing: Jesus Christ is really God's Son!

Of all things, a Roman centurion, an enemy of the Jews, whose king was crucified by the Romans, challenges us to face the Crucified in the chaos and to take a closer look. The kind of look that you take when you want to get to know a loved one intimately. The kind of look that takes your gaze toward the sky, looking for a new star. Or perhaps a painting by van Gogh, that keeps you staring for a long time, trying to understand the emotion behind his artwork and his perception of the world.

Stand in front of Jesus and look closely. If we do, Jesus' death on the cross will take on a whole new meaning for us. If we take a closer look, we will not confuse the Resurrected One with the gardener - as did Mary Magdalene at the empty grave. Instead, we will realize that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God, my Redeemer. 

That is Easter!

Your Martin