Crucified in Weakness – Raised in Power
Gordon Crook, PastorGrace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas
“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” 2 Corinthians 13:4
This verse captures both sides of the redemption story; Jesus’ death and resurrection. There is much we can learn from breaking down this verse to understand the accomplishment of our salvation and what it means for us.
“Crucified through weakness”. This refers to the fact that Jesus was able to be killed because He was fully human. His human body had the same human weakness as any of us and subject to death. We should not, however, equate that weakness with lack of power. Jesus made it very clear that He could have called twelve legions of angels to set Him free. It was His choice to allow them to put Him to death.
But first, it was His choice to live a life of weakness. He was born to a poor family who could not even find a room at the inn. He lived the life of a son of a carpenter. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9.
He had to rely on others for a place sleep. “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. He relied on others to provide for His food. “There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.” Mark 15:40-41.
So God chose weakness to accomplish His plan of salvation. It confounds the wisdom and strength of men. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Even in the Old Testament, God was showing this. He chose a lamb to be the sacrifice. One of the weaker and more docile of animals. God almost never does things the way man would think appropriate.
It may have seemed like He was weak and unable to help Himself. Even the one thieves that were crucified with Him saying, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” And the chief priests and scribes mocked Him also. From the viewpoint of those watching the crucifixion, it certainly might seem like He had no power.
From the physical standpoint, the crucifixion is terrible beyond comprehension. The suffering it causes is indescribable. There is a prophecy in the Psalms that attempts to express it as best possible. “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.” Psalms 22:14-17
What Jesus suffered on the cross was far more than just the physical pain and humiliation. “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34. The great anguish, before the cross, and on the cross, was the separation from His Father that was a result of Jesus taking on Him the sins of the world. My sins and your sins.
So, why does it matter that He was crucified through weakness? It matters because it tells us that God came down (Emmanuel) leaving His glory to take on the form of a man (human body). “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:7.
It matters because He is our High Priest and we know that he understands our condition. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15. “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18
It matters because it makes very clear that this is God’s work. This is God’s way. It does not serve the desires of man to show strength in their own way. It requires man’s strength to be laid aside to come to the “weak” Savior for redemption. It matters because even to lowest of men can find in Him a Savior that understands them.
Next time: He is raised in power.
