It's now morning, about 9 am. Last night, Jesus shared a last meal - the Passover meal - with his disciples. It was during that meal that he shared with them the elements of the new covenant. His body, broken for our transgressions, his blood, poured out for our sins (Matt 26:26-30). They then went to the garden to pray, but the disciples couldn't stay awake.
After being betrayed, deserted by his followers, illegally tried, and beaten beyond recognition, Jesus is now being led to Golgotha to be crucified between two thieves.
They didn't realize it, but he was paying the price for the sins of the very ones who tried him, beat him, are taunting him, spitting on him, pelting him with rocks.
But before we’re too hard on those physically present, we must include ourselves in that number. For it wasn't just their sins he paid for on that day – it was ours, too. Yours and mine. What kind of love causes one to make this kind of sacrifice?
After being betrayed, deserted by his followers, illegally tried, and beaten beyond recognition, Jesus is now being led to Golgotha to be crucified between two thieves.
They didn't realize it, but he was paying the price for the sins of the very ones who tried him, beat him, are taunting him, spitting on him, pelting him with rocks.
But before we’re too hard on those physically present, we must include ourselves in that number. For it wasn't just their sins he paid for on that day – it was ours, too. Yours and mine. What kind of love causes one to make this kind of sacrifice?
Unconditional love. The kind of love that says, "no matter the cost to me, I will do what is best for you".
Jesus knew that the ONLY way for us to be able to have a life of meaning here and spend eternity with him was for him to endure the cross (Heb 12:2). So, despite what that meant for him, he willingly gave himself to be a substitute for us, that he might pay a price we couldn’t pay (Phil 2:8, Isa 53:5-6).
So, here we are on Friday morning and Jesus is being led to the cross. The Bible tells us that Jesus accomplished (completed, finished) exactly what he meant to do. He paid the price for you and me. It was an extravagant gift that cost him greatly but all we have to do is accept it.
So, here we are on Friday morning and Jesus is being led to the cross. The Bible tells us that Jesus accomplished (completed, finished) exactly what he meant to do. He paid the price for you and me. It was an extravagant gift that cost him greatly but all we have to do is accept it.
This is not the end of the story – it is only the first part. The second and best part happens on that day that we celebrate as Easter. I’ll be back on Sunday to share the rest of the story…
Matt 26:26-30 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Isa 53:5-6 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
