3.26.2015 Thursday of Lent 5 Mark 15:16-32 The passion and crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion
Jesus is crucified, bearing the
punishment for the sins of the world. This is what it costs to atone for sins.
At any time, Jesus can halt the proceeding, save Himself, and condemn His
enemies. His love for us and His obedience to the Father lead Him to make this
sacrifice instead.[2]
Hanging on a cross - suspended between
earth and heaven - the Son of man suffers – as no one has ever suffered –
before or since. Stricken, smitten and afflicted see Him hanging on that tree –
He hangs there - for you and for me.
Today we witness Jesus as He offers
Himself as a sacrifice for the life of the world. The old song sings: “Make me see thy great distress, anguish and
affliction,”
The distress of Jesus is one no one has
ever experienced. The physical torture was tremendous. But even greater was the
spiritual torments He received. On that bloody and cruel cross Jesus was
abandoned by God and by men. Thus the
Savior’s affliction and anguish was the highest cruelty. The wrath of an angry
and offended God was poured out on the Son of man on a hill called Calvary.
Heaped upon Him was a double load.
He suffered as no man should. He suffered
innocently the righteous for the unrighteous. Jesus suffered great distress,
anguish, and affliction. He suffered in time so we could be in bliss with God
eternally.
O God, you have called us to be your children,
and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of
your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his
demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, fo ever and ever.
Amen[3]
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