Photo by Marco Verch

By Emi Iwanaga

(Poem based on Luke 23:1-7)

He stands before Pilate, hands bound, body covered with wounds.

Surrounded by a crowd, agitated, one by one speaking out against my Teacher.

I observe His eyes search the faces of his accusers. Some seemingly intent on their mission with stony hearts, their eyes never meet His. And there are others, when their eyes meet His, stumble over their words, falter for just a bit or in that moment their voices lower, and yet they continue stating their
accusations.

Pilate asks if he is a king of the Jews.

With calmness and composure and a hint of resignation this miracle worker answers,”yes.”

Then the eyes of this my Teacher fix on mine. The voices of the accusers fade to the background, it seems not just for me but for Him too. Can He read my confusion, my questioning — why aren’t you preaching, why aren’t you setting yourself free, when will you demonstrate to this crowd you are a teacher and miracle worker? In the next moment as our eyes are still fixed, I catch His love, intent, and anguish. His look communicates to me a calm assurance that everything is under control and even meant to be — His Father knows. There comes a “thank you” from Him to me for being concerned and present.

This confusing and contrary situation was yet another time for us. His broken heart remains big towards all. His tied hands remain open towards all. This journey, this road would lead to the ultimate expression of liberality…generous giving. He would hang on that cross and thereafter I would find myself crucified with Him, experiencing victory over sin and housing the Holy Spirit. Our eyes fixed on one another, I would be forever free and empowered to bestow grace with big heartedness and openhandedness, giving of myself…liberally.

Emi Iwanaga served thirteen years as a missionary in Amazon Valley in Brazil, over 20+ years as a children’s ministry director, women’s ministry director, and pastor’s wife, and is currently a spiritual director.