As I read, in Luke, of the crucifixion of the Lord, I felt the urge to skip past this familiar part and not write about it.
I know what happened. It’s not pretty.
But it is not Easter, and there’s so many hard things going on all around us in this world— a little Philippians or Psalms might be more uplifting?
Yes, I’m tempted to skip past Luke’s account of the Cross, and you may be too.
But let’s don’t.
Let’s remember.
Let’s turn our hearts to that moment and remember that the God who would do THIS for us… is also the same God who won’t leave us or forsake us now.
Read Luke’s account (Luke 23:26-46).
You should also know that history records Jesus’ death in many sources outside of the Bible. It’s a fact.
Understand His death was horrible in every aspect. He was scourged by Pilate. His flesh was repeatedly torn. He was bloodied beyond recognition and probably critical at this point. He was forced to carry His cross on His bruised, bloodied back. Nails were driven into His hands and feet. The cross was then lifted up, His own weight made every breath a painful, desperate struggle. He was spit on. He was mocked.
(For more on the horrific details of the Cross, see Enduring Word App notes on Luke 23 that describe a study by Dr William Edwards on the Physical Death of Jesus Christ published in the Journal of American Medicine (1986).)
Let’s truly, take a moment and remember what Jesus endured for us—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Reflect on the absolute fact that Jesus CHOSE to do this.
He could have walked away.
He could have called legions of mighty, warrior angels to His aide (Matt 26:53). He could have stopped the hearts of those who mocked and beat Him with only a thought, but He CHOSE to die a horrible death for us.
For us!
He said of His life, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18)
Jesus was completely in control. He willingly took our sins upon Himself for us!
He is still completely in control.
He was then.
He is now!
What HOPE there is in the Cross!
He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
Do you know Him? Do you love Him?
He endured the Cross with His eyes on victory!
Let’s endure what we face in this life with the confidence that Christ has won the victory for us!
He did what He said He would do!
He will do what He says He will do!
“Therefore , since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.(Heb 12:2-3)
Oh friend, this life can be hard, but let’s keep on loving Jesus and loving others on our way Home!
Kim Jaggers Ministry 