Photo by Bob Jobe, a discarded image of “Christ on the Cross”, Madrid, Spain.

This Ash Wednesday marks 40 days of contemplation leading to Resurrection Sunday. I am contemplating Christ being despised and rejected, discarded as the painting above, leaning against the dumpsters of our times.

He was despised and rejected… a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Isaiah 53:3

In a Mocking Culture

In addition to the indignity of being discarded is the constant mockery by popular culture. Here’s how Late Night TV Hosts React to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ:

Real Time with Bill Maher

“I’m sorry, but if you call yourself the so-called “Son of God” shouldn’t you — and I’m just spitballing here — use your almighty powers to get down from that cross — or are God’s powers not genetic? Must’ve had stage fright, I guess. The alpha and the omega? More like the whimpy beta — okay?”


The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

“You guys hear about this? A man named Jesus was killed today for claiming to be the son of God. Yeah. Awful. When asked for comment, God pointed and said, ‘Look, a dinosaur!’ And ran away.”


 Jimmy Kimmel Live

“I don’t know if you heard but a man was crucified today for saying he was God’s son. My question is, where was the mother in all this? You would think she would pop in at the last second and say, ‘Listen, about your father being God. I may have stretched the truth a bit.’ Single mothers everywhere just went, ‘Hey, now there’s an idea.’”


Weekend Update

Colin Jost: A man was killed in Judea on Friday who claimed to be the Son of God. Oh, wait, you hear that? That’s the ghost of The Maury Show saying, “I told you so.”

Michael Che: What I don’t get is why kill the guy? What did they think would happen? People would just forget and move on? Yeah, cause that worked real well for O.J.

Colin Jost: Also, it kinda seems like you do think he’s the son of God. Why else have him killed unless you felt a little threatened. You know what won’t convince people he’s not the son of God? Using the justice system to commit murder.


The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

“Folks, there’s no denying today is a dark day. I’m reminded of the words of Joseph in the Bible, ‘You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.’ Yeah, Or in Gen Z TikTok speak: No cap, this is all part of God’s plan A.F.”


Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

“We begin tonight with The Crucifixion of Jesus. A collection of words that on its own sounds like your older brother’s shi##y garage band.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk directly to the Sanhedrin tribunal. Hi. John here. I just have one small question. Did it ever occur to you, what if he was the son of God? Yeah. Think on that. You just killed God’s son.

Look, I realize this is a touchy subject for many viewers but regardless of where you may stand, what happened to Jesus was simply reprehensible. This was a man who devoted his entire life to helping the poor. He brought humanity to the lepers and spoke purely about the teachings of God. The man did nothing wrong!

Seriously, the only thing Jesus was guilty of was… having a killer bod, I mean, look at those abs! Yeah, wash away my sins you ethereal hunk. Consecrate my openings you virtuous beast. Bring me back from the dead, you herculean surfboard. He — and this is true — can get it.”

Source: Late Night TV Hosts React to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

He was Despised and Rejected

… but you are not.

I wonder if it’s time to return to the One who made you for Himself and see Him again for the first time…