Luke's account of the crucifixion of Christ makes clear that there are three primary responses to Jesus on the cross. Some are put off and even ridicule the dying figure. Others are drawn to Jesus in sympathy and even faith. But the bulk of the people are simply witnesses to the event. They stand by, watching. Primarily spectators. Later, "when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts." (Luke 23:48)

Beating their breasts is a sign of repentance and mourning. The observers were moved by what they saw. How often we too are moved by the painful events reported on the evening news, and retire for the night sorrowful.

But feeling bad is not enough, not enough to be set right with God, anyway. When we witness tragedy or deal with threats, it is a call to action. When we witness the crucified messiah, it is a call to decision, an invitation to commitment. And the crucified Christ, who gives himself over to suffering and death in order that others might be saved, is our guide to action in the face of threat. We are to risk suffering in order to help others. In this way we discover God, even in the midst of evil and tragedy. For one thing the cross makes very clear is that God is with us in our suffering.