38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 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?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 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. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 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 27:38-54)
On this penultimate day of our 40 Days of Discipline Journey we observe how Jesus related to the world during Passion Week.
Every year around Easter there is a debate about the historical accuracy of the dates designated for Easter. Is the exact date really a material issue? No, but the events celebrated certainly are. The historical significance of the Good Friday events cannot be overemphasized and they are worthy of deep contemplation and sincere celebration. We remember that on a hill, on a cross, Jesus became sin for us and paved the way for reconciliation between us and God – all because God loves us. That makes for a very Good Friday!
Please read the passage above and consider the request below.
Today’s Request:
Please share your thoughts of gratitude for God’s amazing demonstration of love.
March 25, 2016 at 10:47 am
Every time I read this passage, I’m in awe of the spectacle this must have been. There’s imagery of pain and humiliation, yet also of salvation and God’s earth-rattling power. All of this because of the love of our Creator!
March 25, 2016 at 12:57 pm
God created it – God takes care of it. It is the character of God to take care of his creation – HE could turn HIS back on HIS creations but HE will not, perhaps HE cannot (?).
If not for HIS mercy, compassion and righteousness mankind would be lost – left to our own devices – life as we know it would cease to exist. How utterly hopeless an existence without the sustenance of the Creator.
Because HE would not, could not turn HIS back on HIS creation, HE sent HIS Son to pay our ransom – a totally unblemished lamb without spot – that we might have everlasting life and hope ringing through the ages – that GOD so loved the world, HE gave his only begotten son that everyone who believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
How thankful we can be, knowing that the Creator has it all in hand.
March 25, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Words are inadequate but only God could demonstrate His love to me/us in this incomparable way. All in one unthinkable package wrapped in immeasurable love; roughed up by rebels, ignominiously insulted, mocked by religious leaders, dying of thirst, suffering pain, shame, humiliation, apparent defeat (till Resurrection Day!). Yes, as one of my favorite songs says He cried, ” I thirst,” yet He made the waters, He cried, “I thirst,” yet He made the
seas . . . ” I am extremely grateful and amazed to know that He who knew no sin became sin for me. And because He lives, I live. Because He rose from the dead, when I die I shall live again! Words are impossible! ALLELUIA! Indeed, by grace and God’s grace alone is such love possible. Only by faith & faith alone can His children attain such unattainable love. Wow! What can I say? I rest my case.
March 25, 2016 at 11:20 pm
No single act has influenced my life more than God’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Jesus on the cross is grace and mercy personified for me. He purchased my redemption and I am forever grateful to Him.
March 26, 2016 at 12:01 pm
With so much evil all over the world it would seem as if nothing good goes on but this journey we all shared during this time of bringingChristlike people together it draws us closer with joy unspeakable and full of glory amen blessings to all
March 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm
With so much evil all over the world it would seem as if nothing good goes on but this journey we all shared during this time of bringing Christlike people together it draws us closer with joy unspeakable and full of glory amen blessings to all.