And they crucified Jesus on Mount Calvary. The people passing by shouted insults and mockingly said to Him, “Look at you now, you said you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and get down from the cross.”

Since then, people have continued to mock Jesus. They believe He failed on the cross and that His sad story ended there.

Many question His teachings: they could never turn the other cheek when attacked. Nor can they understand His love for the sick and needy, much less the idea of giving His life for both friends and enemies.

But all His work becomes clear when we walk through those shadowy valleys of life, those moments that remind us of our fragility. It is then that we remember Him, our personal ego falls to its knees, the mocking ceases, and we surrender before His majesty.