Performing
“When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things.” (Luke 24:48-49)
A crowd of people gathered to witness the spectacle of the crucifixion. It seems like many of these people became wrapped up in the emotions of the mob, participating in the sneering and mockery. It’s one of the terrible phenomena we see playing out repeatedly in human history—good people being drawn into making poor choices along with those around them. Somehow, even the most shocking behavior seems to become acceptable if enough people are participating in it.
Now, after Jesus’s death, the members of the crowd are beating their breasts. This seems like it could be interpreted in one of two ways. Either the people are thumping their chests in victory. Or they are striking themselves as an expression of remorse for what has been done and the part they’ve played in it. Regardless, it seems to be an over-the-top display of emotion. Which leaves me questioning the authenticity of their behavior. Why the performance?
Because the more appropriate reaction seems to be that of the people who knew Jesus. They are standing quietly at a distance, absorbing the scene before them. The women and others who followed Jesus from Galilee aren’t seeking any attention for themselves because their attention is on Him.
Which perhaps begins to give them eyes to see that the scene of evil and brutality in front of them was merely the backdrop to the true performance—of God’s perfect, saving love.
