Understanding God's Emotion When Jesus Was Killed: A Theological Perspective

Many people wonder about God's emotions when Jesus was killed, especially in light of the assurance of His resurrection. The Biblical accounts provide insights into the spiritual dynamics and the emotional experiences surrounding this significant event.

Divine Empathy and God's Love for Humanity

According to Christian beliefs, God is not only all-powerful and all-knowing but also deeply compassionate and empathetic. In the Bible, God is portrayed as sharing in human suffering and joy, reflecting divine empathy. When Jesus was taken from His earthly family and crucified, it is understandable why God felt a profound sense of sadness. As Isaiah 63:10 states, 'They rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned and became their enemy and He himself fought against them.'

This divine empathy becomes even more evident when considering God's anger expressed through the Earthquakes and the opening of graves (Matthew 27:52-53). The cessation of these phenomena after Jesus' resurrection indicates a restoration of order, aligning with His demonstrated love and compassion.

The Significance of Jesus' Sacrifice

The crucifixion of Jesus holds immense spiritual significance. In Matthew 27:51, the rending of the veil in the Most Holy Place signifies the breaking down of the barrier that separated us from God (Hebrews 10:19-20). God may have known that the resurrection was imminent, but the crucifixion itself was a necessary evil for the redemption and salvation of humanity. This sacrifice reflects the gravity and weight of the situation.

The Roman soldier who witnessed these phenomena (Mark 15:39) exclaimed, 'Certainly this man was God's Son.' This affirmation highlights both the recognition of Jesus' divinity and the acknowledgment of the overwhelming circumstances surrounding His crucifixion. Such recognition implies a deep sense of awe and reverence, underscoring the emotional and spiritual impact.

The Trinity's Relationship and Separation

In Christian theology, God is understood as existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Jesus, as the Son of God, is a co-eternal Person with the Father. This eternal bond, even within the Holy Trinity, means that the separation experienced through Jesus' crucifixion would have caused a sense of sadness and grief. Matthew 27:51, with the rending of the veil, symbolizes this temporary separation and implies God's emotional response.

The tearing of the curtain in the Most Holy Place (Matthew 27:51) is often interpreted as a symbol of the removal of spiritual barriers. This suggests a deep-seated grief and resentment toward the religious leaders who were responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, as their actions directly caused this sad event (Matthew 27:51).

The Emotional Experience of Resurrection

It is essential to recognize that, despite the knowledge of the resurrection, the experience of the crucifixion and the subsequent suffering would still evoke profound sadness and grief. For example, the restoration of the natural order after Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 27:52-53) can be seen as a cry for the restoration of peace and joy, reflecting the deep emotional toll of the situation.

To those who hope for a resurrection of their loved ones, it is crucial to understand that even in the face of such miraculous events, the loss of loved ones can still bring profound sadness. This is a common human experience, and God's understanding and compassion are reflected in the lavish acts of mercy and grace He extends throughout the Bible.

In conclusion, while the resurrection holds great significance, the crucifixion of Jesus evokes a profound sense of sadness and grief, reflecting divine empathy, the gravity of the sacrificial act, and the temporary separation within the Trinity. Understanding these dynamics provides a more comprehensive view of God's emotional response to this significant event in Christian history.