Human Dilemma

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Matthew 27:25 (KJV)

As a little girl, I often visited a candy store in town. Though I rarely had money, barrels of penny candy, gum, and chocolates beckoned. Looking at the sweets—surely a national pastime—my mouth watered.

Temptation is a powerful thing. One day my hand found its way into a barrel. I grabbed a piece of candy and left in a rush. A couple of blocks flew by before I felt safe enough to unwrap my treat. The sugar melted in my mouth, and I was invincible, having eluded capture.

I was caught that night, however—by conviction. I lay in bed, crying, until my mother came to see what was wrong. Between sobs the story came out.

The dilemma of man had found me. On one hand, we rely on human provision, thinking we can save ourselves. But through all our arrogance, still we cry out for supernatural deliverance. God gave the answer: His Son. Christ was tempted as we are, yet without sin. He experienced the frailty, desires, and challenges that face us every day.

My mother took me back to the store the next morning, where I confessed to the owner and paid for my candy. The weight of sin lifted as he forgave me.

We serve an ironic, wonderful God. Standing before the crowds, Pilate told them to choose: Barabbas or Jesus. They chose Barabbas—human strength. But then they immediately cried out for Jesus’ blood to be upon them and their children—divine provision. Christ answered their cry, which still wells up from the depths of every human heart today.

Thank You, Jesus, for answering the innermost cry of our hearts with Your forgiveness.

© 2011 Katherine A. Fuller