IN a certain Western city a celebrated painting had been on view entitled “Ecce Homo” (Behold the Man), and as the time drew near for its removal, some hand-bills were widely circulated, bearing the heading
WILL SHORTLY CLOSE― “ECCE HOMO.”
We were reminded as we read one, of a solemn fact briefly stated in those few words, that shortly, very shortly, will close the open door of salvation, and with it the sight of “the Man Christ Jesus,” now glorified at God’s right hand, which brings to every sin-burdened man or woman, beholding Him there, a full and everlasting forgiveness.
The painting referred to, which had been attracting thousands, was a picture of Christ standing before Pilate. Never before was, and never again will such a scene be enacted. Confessed by Pilate to be without fault, He had been by him unjustly scourged, and the Roman soldiers, with more than usual brutality, had plaited a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and arrayed Him in a purple robe, exclaiming, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Thus invested, Pilate brought Him forth to the people, confessing again, “I find no fault in him.” Then came Jesus forth wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe, and Pilate saith unto them―
“BEHOLD THE MAN!”
Loud voices were instantly raised, crying out, “Crucify him, crucify him,” and Pilate answered in cold indifference, “Take ye him, and crucify him, for I find no fault in him.”
Was ever such a thing heard of? The judge declares the prisoner not guilty, and yet delivers Him up to the executioner! Never before, we repeat, was such a deed committed. The darkest blot upon the page of this world’s history is the rejection and murder of the Son of God.
But, oh, what a tale of grace is the long-suffering of God! It was the purpose of divine love that Christ should suffer, and though man’s guilt is not lessened by the fact that it was by “the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” that He was delivered up, yet God took occasion by that act to express what His thoughts were concerning man, and at the same time to fully reveal Himself.
It had been written long before, “The soul that sinneth it shall die,” and “Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree”; and into the place of death and the curse the Son of God went in order that God might be enabled to approach man in grace and blessing. Having raised Christ from the dead, God now proclaims repentance and remission of sins, in His name, to all nations.
Never again will the world see Christ as once they saw Him, in humiliation. Never again will He be the object or man’s vile sport and hatred as once He was. When next His presence is known in this world, it will be when He comes forth crowned with many crowns, accompanied by the armies of heaven to smite the nations, and rule them with a rod of iron. Then His foes will be made His footstool, and His enemies lick the dust.
But God is slow to arise and do His strange work, and grace lingers still over a judgment-doomed world; and while the day of calling the world! to account for its awful deed, is held in abeyance, the good, news of salvation is being heralded far and wide, and from that earth-rejected but heaven-glorified Saviour the winsome invitation is sent forth, “Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)).
Reader, one word with you. On which side are you? On the side of the One whom the world refused, or on the side of the world which stands guilty of the blood of the Son of God? Now, before the day of grace closes, is the time to own Him; now, while He is calling, come to Him, and in heaven’s bright glory, there by faith
“BEHOLD THE MAN!”
“Behold the Man upon the Throne!
Both Lord and Christ is HE alone.
God sent Him forth, His Only One,
The Father’s well-beloved Son.
God doth extol none other Name,
Supreme, eternal, is His claim;
His rights let all confess, obey;
‘Come unto Me,’ he saith, ‘Today!’”
E. E. N.