Yesterday during my quiet time, I watched of one of the final scenes in the movie Braveheart- the torture scene where the Scot, William Wallace is given the choice to submit to English authority or continue in rebellion to the king and die a free man. He chose freedom. It’s on of the most powerful “crucifixion” scenes that I’ve ever watched. I don’t know how one could not see that scene and not think of Jesus. Every time I’ve viewed it, it’s been a powerful reminder of His payment.
And Wallace’s two best mates in the mass of onlookers, the Peter and John of the disciples. By the end of the scene, everyone in the crowd is crying out for mercy but Wallace cries out for freedom. His eyes first rest upon a child and then, toward the end of his death, a vision of his murdered bride. Just like our Lord, going through with his own torture, His eyes fixed on the joy set before him, seeing his Bride and choosing freedom for her, for us.
And what choice do Wallace’s followers have but to give their lives in the final battle for the one who inspired them with such courage and sacrifice? How could we give less? He gave it all so that we could be free, so that we could have life, so that we could have hope and a future, so that we would no longer be ruled by the tyranny of death, of sin, of our enemy. Even in the face of a horrendous death, he did not back down. He carried the cross, took our sin, gave us life. He is worthy of it all. For from Him all are things. To Him are all things. He deserves the glory. And one day, He will receive it in its full.
