When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:33-38 NLT)
We watch as the cross is now laid on the ground and prisoner is lashed to it. Holding him in place while huge sharp spikes are hammered through his hands and feet. Shockwaves rack his body as the cross is slowly lifted upright - then suddenly dropped into place. Pushing down on his feet and pulling up with his arms the crucified one gasps for air hour after hour. What is happening on the cross is cosmic - an eternal transaction is taking place. We stand in awe.
PRAY: Jesus - We cannot ever say thank you enough for all the agony you endured for us. Suffering servant, you took our punishment and our pain upon yourself along with the burden of all of our sins. We can only imagine the sheer weight of it all. Thank you for enduring it on our behalf. Amen
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