Daily Dwelling

I grew up wondering why a day filled with so much pain, agony, torture, brutality, and sorrow was called “good.” The deeper I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord the more I understand. 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” While the events of that day reflect the wickedness and brokenness of humanity, the result is more than good. As followers, we know that this day changed our eternity.

So what happened on this day? First, Jesus’ friend and disciple Judas betrayed Him. He told the guards where Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. They arrested him and He stood before the Jewish ruling council. They were plotting to put Jesus on trial and attempt to find evidence to justify putting Him to death. The whole assembly arose and took Jesus to Pilate. They accused Jesus of subverting the nation, opposing Roman taxes, and claiming to be Messiah, a king. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied “You have said so.” The high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy and demanded He be crucified. Pilate knew Jesus had done nothing wrong, yet he gave into the crowd and washed his hands of it. They began to beat Him. The Son of God was flogged and forced to carry a cross. This crossbeam was estimated to weigh over 90-125 pounds since it was real wood. It is believed that He walked about 3 miles with this cross after he was tortured, beaten, and mocked.

When He had made it to the Hill of Calvary He was nailed to the cross. He was given a crown of thorns and the title as “King of the Jews.” They put a sign on the cross to mock Jesus. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Jesus struggled on the cross for six hours. Once He died darkness fell across the land. He was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a tomb. Roman guards were sent to guard the tomb. Their job was to make sure that no one stole the body or spread rumors that He wasn’t dead.

Why do we celebrate such a day? Jesus became the bridge so that we would become heirs of Heaven. We were not able to be perfect within God’s holy standard so God sent His son. He lived a perfect life and reconciled us to the Father. This day is good because it re-wrote our story.

Let us celebrate today by rejoicing together in the gift of the crucifixion. Take time to cry out to God in humility and thanksgiving! Today I am grateful for the gracious gift of our Father in Heaven. I am thankful for Jesus’ ministry and the honor I have to read of it in detail throughout the gospels! I also remember His obedience to the Father. I pray to model that same obedience from a changed heart and transformed spirit. A heart that becomes more aligned everyday with the heart of our Savior.

Let us not forget the reality of the crucifixion and the glorious resurrection as Easter passes this weekend. Allow this Holy Week to live in our minds and our hearts daily as we pursue our relationship with the King of Kings, Jesus. What an honor.