We cannot know Jesus without finding our own places at the cross. Holy Week calls us to understand who we are in this topsy-turvy story where the bad guys can become good guys, where the innocent bears the guilt of all and where the victim becomes the victor. But this story cannot become our reality until we encounter this crucified Jesus. We cannot find forgiveness until we bring our sin and sorrow to the cross. We cannot be saved until we accept the sacrifice of love.
Love entails suffering and sacrifice.
To make of his story something that could neither startle, nor shock, nor terrify, nor excite, nor inspire a living soul is to crucify the Son of God afresh. For Christians the answer is, unavoidably, Yes. This is not make-believe. We all understand, on some level, that the story of Jesus passion is not just a story. Each and every one of us has our place, our own reality in that scene.