One of the programs that we offer to low-income families is the Santisuk English Scholarship program. The vision of the program is “ To offer young people from low-income communities affordable English education that increases their ability to reflect meaningfully on their lives and improves their academic and career opportunities.”
Santisuk means “peace,” and as a Christian school, the Santisuk English School incorporates Bible stories into their language learning curriculum. In this program, one of our earliest scholarship students was exposed to the Bible for the first time. I happen to be subbing for a sick teacher on the day that the story of Good Friday was told. One of the reflection questions was, “Do you think that Jesus could have saved Himself from dying on the cross?” The conversation that this question generated was fascinating.
Two Christians and one non-Christian in the class quickly answered yes. They talked about stories they had studied in class where Jesus did miracles - He healed the sick, He fed the hungry, He cast out demons and He even raised the dead. As they explained it, clearly Jesus had the power to save himself and come down from that cross.
Then Joom*, the scholarship student from Friends of the City, gave his opinion. “No, I don’t think Jesus could have saved Himself.” Joom stood alone in his opinion.
At this point it is important to remember that all of this conversation is taking place in English, which students are still learning. Misunderstandings are always possible. Nuch, one of the Christians in the class, was concerned about a misunderstanding. With love and respect he switched to Thai. “Are you sure? Do you really understand the question?”
Joom also switched to Thai with his answer. He repeated his understanding of the question, which was 100% correct. In his native tongue, he was able to explain his answer much more clearly.
“I don’t think Jesus could have come down from that cross. He loves us and He wanted to die on the cross for our sins. He couldn’t save himself from the cross because it would have gone against His nature and His purpose.”
Today is Good Friday. I couldn’t help but think of this story. As I live my life with Buddhists, loving them and being their friend, I am constantly amazed out how God reveals Himself to them. They frequently have insights into Scripture and who God is that amaze me. I feel truly blessed to be able to study the story of God with people who have never heard it before. It always opens my eyes to new insights in God’s Word.
Happy Good Friday! I pray we all celebrate how Jesus willingly gave His life for us. Compelled by love for us, He couldn’t not go to the cross!
*Names have been changed
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