As you consider the Scripture passage from yesterday, you may have noticed the actual act of crucifixion was not the only suffering Jesus endured. Prior to his arrest, one of his own disciples betrayed him (Luke 22:48), and another disowned him (Luke 22:61). He was mocked and insulted beaten (Luke 22:63) and the crowd called for his death (Luke 23:18).
All of these people knew him.
They knew his reputation.
Some were even his friends.
And they rejected him.
He did it for them.
And for us.
When I survey the wondrous cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
(Isaac Watts, retrieved from http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross)
1 Peter 2:21-25
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Morning Questions:
What is your response to what you have read today?
What do you feel? What do you think of? What will you do because of it?
Evening Questions:
In what ways do you, or do you not, identify with the sufferings of Christ?
