A Metaphysical Interpretation of the Crucifixion
This three-part series on the Metaphysical interpretation of Good Friday and Easter is drawn from our Good Friday Service on March 25th, 2016. We’ve explored Communion, Gethsemane, and in this final part we take a look at the Crucifixion through the lens of metaphysics. We would love to hear your thoughts on this series in the comments below.
Metaphysically, we do not view the crucifixion of Jesus as a tragedy, but as a step toward a great victory. In its purest form, Jesus in his words tells us “The message of the crucifixion is perfectly clear, ‘Teach only love, for that is what you are.'”
There are many aspects of the Crucifixion story that we could focus on. We could talk about the seeming betrayal by Judas. The selfish and ego-driven side of life that Judas represents can indeed appear to betray the spiritual Christ-nature in each of us. But, we must also remember that Judas was simply playing a part as a catalyst so that Jesus could demonstrate the unreality of death.
We could go into detail about how Pontius Pilate foolishly believed he had any power over the situation, ultimately demonstrating that there is no power in external circumstances The only power lies with God.
However, for [this blog] we will briefly focus on the seven last statements made by Jesus, as found in the four Gospels, for they are each highly condensed metaphysical teachings and offer realizations of Truth, helpful guides for our continued spiritual growth.
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
(Luke 23:34)
In Truth, God does not forgive, because God has never condemned, but this statement takes on more meaning if we read it as, “Father, I forgive them for they know not what they do.” In this world, forgiveness is the mightiest of spiritual acts. And, Jesus perfectly modeled unconditional forgiveness even in this extreme setting. There is added power when we call on the Holy Spirit to energize our willingness to forgive.
“… today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)
Modeling great compassion, Jesus spoke these words to one of the thieves being crucified with Him.
Charles Fillmore wrote that these two thieves symbolized the past and the future. Memories of the past can rob us, as can anxiety about the future. Paradise is the name given to the here and now; the “Kingdom of Heaven” that is always at hand.
It is our oneness with God that is always here, always now and eternal. Spiritual awareness is quickened when we bring the past and future into the here and now, into our oneness with God.
“Woman, behold your son! … Behold, your mother!”
(John 19:26, 27)
These words were believed to be spoken to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and to his disciple John.
Again demonstrating the depth of his care and compassion, Jesus committed the care of his mother Mary to John. Jesus was also speaking from a higher level of understanding concerning the Truth of human relationships.
One of the greatest realizations we can experience is the realization of our true relationship to every human being in the human family. Whatever biological ties may exist, the mystical ties are stronger and more important. In Spirit, we are each others’ mother, father, brother, and sister. The acceptance can propel us into a greater spiritual unfoldment.
“‘Eli, Eli, lemana, shabakthani!’ which means, ‘My God, my God, for this I was spared!’”
Jesus, who was intimately familiar with the prophecies of the Old Testament, refers here to the prophecy found there of crucifixion and resurrection. In an almost celebratory manner he calls out to God, “For this I was spared.” In the Lamsa Bible, the clarification, “This was my destiny.”
“I thirst.”
(John 19:28)
This simple, but powerful statement is for us a reminder to thirst for God, to hunger for Spirit, and to let the nourishment of God’s Love come to us in great abundance.
“It is finished.”
(John 19:30)
Everything that happens in a person’s life is part of a cycle of learning, growing, and unfolding. But, sometimes it is difficult to recognize when things are finished, especially when it pertains to cycles of experience in our learning process in life.
If we find ourselves going through certain difficult or painful experiences, we should endeavor to learn the lessons they contain as quickly as possible, and then let it go. Greater good is in store when we surrender. It came to pass, not to stay.
“Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.”
(Luke 23:46)
Jesus had accomplished exactly what He had come here to do. He had brought the powerful cycle of this demonstration to a climax in the extreme teaching lesson of the crucifixion.
People often wonder, “What is going to happen to me next?” If we follow the example of Jesus, we know that we can always safely place ourselves, our lives, our bodies, our futures in God’s hands. God is the answer to everything, the meaning behind everything. And God is absolute good.
In A Course in Miracles, it states, “Let us not spend this holy week brooding on the crucifixion of God’s Son, but happily in the celebration of his release. For Easter is the sign of peace, not pain.”
