Amy-Jill Levine with her book “Witness at the Cross” takes an intriguing look at Holy Friday, the day of Christ’s Crucifixion. Focusing on many of the secondary characters that were involved in, or were also there on that day.
She uses a great blend of Scripture both Old Testament and New Testament, comparisons of all four Gospels, historical details as well as a smattering of “how should we approach our thinking and discussions of social issues of the present day” commentary and questions. Because as we know and see in this book social, community issues have not changed with humankind. She sprinkles in just enough humor to lighten what could be a very heavy book, since this day for believers and historically is indeed a heavy one.
I really enjoyed reading her take on many of those people who were there that many don’t include in other studies. Amy-Jill Levine takes a look at the scoffers, the men also crucified the same day, the women, members of the Sanhedrin and the Roman Army as well as others.
Her Old Testament citations usually show us the prophecies, Jesus’ own words, the overlap of what the Gospels say about that day, and the events leading up to it.
I don’t necessarily agree with everything she says, but that only makes me want to perhaps dig a little bit more on my own. I definitely will keep this in my reference bookcase.
