The Story of a Naked Rabbi

In Philip Yancey's devotional book, Grace Notes, he shares a story from a memoir written by Pierre Van Paasen of the years before World War II.   The story goes that one day an elderly Jewish rabbi is dragged into the headquarters of the Nazi storm trooper headquarters..   The storm troopers strip the rabbi naked and ask him to preach the sermon he had prepared for the coming Sabbath in the synagogue.   When the rabbi asked if he could wear his yarmulke, the Nazi grin and agree.  So, the rabbi proceeds to deliver his sermon about walking humbly with God before the hooting, hollering Nazis while one of his neighbors is beaten to death at the end of the room..   It is a sad and powerful story. 

I think of that story during  this week that Christians call “Holy Week”.   It is the week before Easter Day.  On Friday, Christians will head to a worship service or take a moment for silent reflection remembering that Jesus Christ was crucified and died  a criminal’s death on a cross outside of Jerusalem.

When I was in seminary many years ago, one of the faculty members at Duke Divinity School was Charles “Chuck” Robinson.   He was literally a “long tall Texan” who often would wear his cowboy boots to class.   What I remember most about Professor Robinson is that when he would talk about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, this tall  Texan would start crying. 

When you think about not only the death of Jesus Christ, but the events surrounding his crucifixion it is enough to make you cry even as the thought of a naked Jewish rabbi preaching his sermon before a group of jeering Nazis brings tears to my eyes.  Christ Jesus was betrayed by one of his own, Judas;  the one that Jesus said would be the “rock of the Church”, Simon Peter, denies him three times even as the other disciples run and hide.   His own faith leaders saw him as a “problem” and sought his execution.   He was stripped and beaten by soldiers and was the subject of their wrath.    And what is most touching to me is to think that Christ Jesus died there for people like you and me.  

Whatever busyness and activities this week holds  for you,  I encourage you as I encourage myself to stop and contemplate the horror of what Jesus faced in the events of the crucifixion long ago and the wonder of the fact that he faced it because of a holy love for you and I.  Have a joy-filled week.-   Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   God of all, we are in awe at the wonder of your love for us as we face another Good Friday and consider the death of Christ Jesus our Savior.    Thank you for your amazing grace and your redemptive love.  We yearn for the hope of Easter;  through Christ our Lord.  Amen.