The Death of Jesus
Today will be the most difficult day of our week together. The death of Jesus is no light and easy conversation, but there is SO much hope in what Jesus is accomplishing for you and for me.
On Friday, the journey of Jesus turned treacherous and acutely painful in the final hours leading to His death.
According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.
Before 9 o'clock that morning, Jesus had already endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple mock trials, Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of death that mankind had invented. The death of Jesus was “excruciating” which literally means “from the cross.”
Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on Him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried His own cross to Calvary where, again, He was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed Him to the wooden cross.
Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34, NIV)
His last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46, NIV)
friend, those words and all that went before them were spoken for you. In forgiving you and trusting His Father’s plan for our salvation, Jesus was setting the stage for the most hopeful moment in human history.
Out of death would emerge eternal salvation and forgiveness for everyone who would believe in the name of Jesus. That is a miracle!
On this Good Friday, I want to encourage you to take a strong step forward. Today would be an amazing day to find a church that is honoring the life of Jesus and to go there to receive Communion and worship.
Yesterday Jesus told us to “do this in remembrance of Me”. (Luke 22:19, NIV) Today, we can choose to be obedient. If you can’t physically go to a church, take a moment and find a Good Friday service online where you can seek hope with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world.
friend, Jesus died for you! He came and died for this reason:
I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11, NIV)
Even on this Friday of Holy Week, the hope of Jesus is becoming a reality for each of us. Honor the life of Jesus by remembering....today.
You are a miracle!
