Jesus Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Today is Good Friday, the day Christians remember the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.

We often talk and sing about Jesus being on the cross, but there are times when the magnitude of His sacrifice does not seem to register. Passion Plays always bring me to tears, but they do not do justice to the depth of suffering Jesus went through.

Jesus did not want to go through this trial, but He knew it was the only way to save mankind from our sin. “And He went forward a little, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. Without the shedding of His blood, we would never be worthy to spend eternity with Him.

God loved us so much that He sacrificed His own son on the cross. The pain was so great He had to turn His face away. Jesus could have stopped His pain at any time and the angels would have descended from Heaven, but He understood He had to make this sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

Let us Survey the Wondrous Cross and take a look at the torment, humiliation and pain Jesus went through on His journey to the cross:

• Judas betrayed Him for 30 pieces silver {Matthew 26:14-25}
• The disciples fled {Matthew 26:47-56}
• Jesus was betrayed by a kiss {Mark 14:43-52}
• Sold Jesus Clothes {Matthew 26:65}
• Beat and blindfolded Him {Luke 22:63-64}
• Herod questioned and Chief Priests vehemently accused Him {Luke 23:1-12}
• Jesus is accused of blasphemy {Mark 14:64}
• Spit in His face {Matthew 26:67}
• Peter denied Him 3 times {Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72}
• Bound, led away and delivered to Pilate {Matthew 27:1-3}
• Smoke {beat} with a reed {Mark 15:19}
• People called out to crucify Him over Barabbas {Matthew 27:11-25; John 19:1-18}
• Jesus is stripped Him of His clothes {Matthew 27:28, 31}
• Placed a of thorns on His Head {Matthew 27:29}
• The people Mocked Him {Matthew 27:29, 41}
• Jesus carried his own cross {John 19:17}
• The Soldiers gave Him a drink with Gall, but He would not drink {something bitter and probably poisonous} {Matthew 27:34: John 19:28-29}
• The guards cast lots for His garments {Matthew 27:35}
• A sign over Head “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” {Matthew 27:37}
• A thief hanging beside Him tells Jesus to save Himself {Luke 23:39-43}
• Gave Jesus vinegar to drink {Matthew 27:48}
• Spear pierced His side {John 19:34}

As Jesus gave up the spirit “Darkness filled the entire land until the ninth hours” {Mark 15:33} and “Veil of the temple tore and the earth did quake.” {Matthew 27:50}.

Thankfully He did not stay dead. To be continued Easter Sunday

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