Jesus & The Cross

A lot has happened since the meal Jesus and his disciples shared together. Jesus is betrayed, arrested, denied, and falsely placed on trial. Jesus is condemned, beaten, and required to carry His cross to the place where He is crucified and will soon take His last breath. All hope seems lost, but then…

READ

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:45-54

REFLECT

Today, we need not wallow in defeat but stand victorious. At the cross, the power of sin collides with the force of God’s love. When Jesus gives up His spirit, our sins are paid for, our debt is settled, our slate  is wiped clean - His victory becomes our victory. We don’t have to wait for an empty tomb. When we look to the cross, we find the fullness of life our hearts yearn to experience. Our souls encounter a depth of love that shakes us from our slumber and awakens us to grace. Our striving is swallowed up in receiving.

RESPOND

Take a moment to consider how Christ’s victory is your victory. What does it mean for Jesus to declare over your sin, It is finished?

Complete the following sentence: When I look to the cross, I see _______.  Let your statement sink in for a few moments.

PRAY

Lord Jesus, the cross awakens in me gratitude.

It is here I find forgiveness and freedom.

When I ponder the depths of Your love,

My soul wells up in delight and worship.

I am victorious because You are the victor.

I will boldly walk in this truth today. Amen.