Christ died for everyone. He died so that those who live should not live for themselves anymore. They should live for Christ. He died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV

Jesus led the way to the hill where He would die. The weight of the world scarred His flesh and broke the hearts of those who felt His pain. We will never be able to comprehend His sacrifice of love. He was held by rusty nails of hatred and hung on a cross to die! And, in the darkest moment for those who knew He did not sin, His final breath was taken. 

God gives us the gift of grace. Some describe it as “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” He lovingly sacrificed Jesus, so His will would be fulfilled in our lives. He knows the heart of ALL suffering. He prepares us to gratefully remember Jesus’ death, resurrection and plan for eternal life. 

Our Father lifted His Son and allowed Him to rise. We need to be reminded, so we will have HOPE for tomorrow and STRENGTH for today. But, first we must take time to experience our part in the suffering of Jesus. We must humble our hearts and consider the events that led Him to the cross, so we will be able to understand our own humanity and recognize why we must love Him MORE…

As we prepare our hearts to welcome the JOY of Easter, we MUST spend time to mourn the One who died in our place. His death and resurrection is God’s gift to us. We did nothing to earn it. Nails did not hold Jesus to the cross. His love for us allowed Him to take the pain of our sin. Surely, we can honor Him with the love of our gratefulness as we humbly take time to reflect on the sorrow of His sacrifice for us. 

Dear God, It’s not easy to think about the suffering of Jesus. But, as we take time to consider what He did for each one of us, we are humbled. Open our eyes to examine our lives and understand why we need the Savior. And, forgive us when we need to be reminded to love Him so MUCH more... Amen