Before we leave the cross we should take time to consider Jesus’ attitude and demeanour during that awful event, for it is the crucifixion of Jesus that is one of the key things that brings in Kingdom power. Much has been written since that time about the cross. The current debate surrounding the issue of penal substitution – whether Jesus was punished on our behalf – is raging within evangelical circles and is an example of how theology has grappled with Jesus’ death. Whole forests have probably been felled to print the books in which these debates have been conducted.

Now while I enjoy such debates and believe there is some value in having them, it is worth noting how little theology Mark himself has in the section on the crucifixion. He tells the story and tells it simply. Indeed it is this simplicity that does most to bring out the sheer awfulness of what happened. He is quite sparing in his details. He does not provide the minutiae of information that would have given us a fuller picture.

But one detail does stand out – the attitude of Jesus to whole event. He is quiet; he is forgiving; he is uncomplaining. Throughout it all he maintains his dignity to the extent that the centurion who stands guard by the cross cannot but see something of his divine character. Extreme violence is perpetrated against him but Jesus is accepting of it all, knowing that the broader plan of God his Father is being worked out.

Now while it may be correct to apply all kinds of meaning to the cross in theological terms, it is surely this quiet and dignified upholding of Kingdom values that does most to usher in the Kingdom itself in all its power. Because it is through the acceptance of death that life could flow.