TUESDAY April 4, 2023
The Cross, God’s Will
Then He [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
Mark 14:34, 36
Jesus Christ knew he would be handed over to sinners to be tortured and crucified. He grew sorrowful knowing the time drew closer. The duality of His nature is seen in the Scriptures. Although fully God in the flesh, He was also fully human. Jesus expressed the depth of His human sorrow. He asked His disciples to watch, to stay awake, and pray (Mark 14:38).
The Son of God prayed to His Father. Luke 22:44 describes His human agony: And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. There was no other way besides this cup of suffering to redeem mankind. Jesus would willingly obey His Father’s will and die on the Cross. As our Savior, Christ would fulfill all that was written in Isaiah 53.
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:4-7).
This Easter, contemplate God’s great love for you in sending His Son to die for your sins in the most horrendous way––crucifixion. Read Isaiah 53. What stood out to you the most? How will you respond to God’s love?
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
~John 3:16~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
