Reflections for Holy Week: The Paradoxical Lamb

This reflection was originally published in the spring 2020 issue of STILLPOINT magazine: “Generation Gordon.”

By Hannah Beck ’22 

Isaiah 53:3–7 | I Corinthians 1:18 | Colossians 2:13–18 

For centuries, the people of God eagerly anticipated the coming of King Jesus and the establishment of his mighty Kingdom; yet, in the three days leading up to his death, no one was prepared for his impending affliction and crucifixion. He would silence his mouth like a lamb led to slaughter. They would pierce his flesh, bruise his body and take his life with scoffing laughs. The King of the world did not come to exert power over his oppressors but would ultimately suffer at their hands.

This paradox deserves deep contemplation. Perhaps the crucifixion was not a choice of weakness but a type of power greater than our comprehension. Humanity is bound by the curse of sin and cycles of violence that we are powerless to overcome. Humankind needed a divine strength to cut through our depravity and offer a freedom and hope not confined to the finitude of this world. King Jesus humbled himself to the point of death because this was the only power great enough to break the chains of sin and death. Christ canceled our debt so that we may rejoice in collective communion with him. He chose to endure suffering because his mission was not to overcome his oppressors with an iron fist but ultimately to welcome all people into divine communion. He met violence with love which tore the curtain of segregation and saved our souls. All praise be to the mighty Lamb of God.