44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 4 8 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. (Luke 23:44 – 49)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
We arrive at a pivotal moment in the Christian calendar – Good Friday. Leading up to His death, Jesus was betrayed and denied by those closest to Him. He was falsely accused and improperly convicted. He was physically abused in horrendous fashion and mocked and ridiculed without justification. The catalog of atrocities is horrific but the truth is all that has been said so far could possibly be said of other human beings.
With Jesus though, there are unique and vital distinctions. He alone bore the sins of the entire world and lived and died as the only perfect human being. In Christ, God became flesh and suffered and died because He loves us. For “by His wounds we are healed” – Hallelujah!
Please prayerfully reflect on the Bible passages above.
Something to think about:
What is your declaration of praise as you reflect on the price Jesus paid for your salvation?