Day 6: FRIDAY - The Crucifixion

Suggested Reading:

  • Matthew 27:1–61

  • Mark 15:1–47

  • Luke 23:1–56

  • John 18:28–19:42

Today we reflect on the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, beaten, scourged, denied, and crucified. And this was all part of God’s plan to bring us, you and me, into right standing with Him—forgiven and redeemed, so we would never be separated from Him for all eternity.

Jesus was fully man and fully God, and as such, He both struggled with this calling and joyfully went to the cross to die for our sins. Before His arrest, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing the future, Jesus was in great distress and sorrow, even falling on His face, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39) And a little while later, He again prayed, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." (Matthew 26:42) 

Jesus knew what was coming and although it greatly distressed Him, “even to death” (Mark 14:34), He only wanted the will of the Father. And according to Hebrews 12:2, “Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” I love the Passion translation says it like this: “His example is this: Because His heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be His, He endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!”

When we think of God calling us to drink from the cup that may be difficult, do we find ourselves pleading with God to take it from us? If so, let us allow this story of Jesus’ great love to compel us to not only choose to do His will over our own, but to allow Him to minister to our hearts to see from His perspective and approach our calling with the joy set before us. 

Matt & Jessica Stallbaum - EEC - https://eccc.us/holy-week/