Few experiences are more revealing than suffering. Have you ever seen a friend’s character shine brightly in the face of an unthinkable loss, a heartbreaking betrayal, or a frightening diagnosis? Our moments of deepest grief show us who we are, and we can see it’s the same with Jesus. Though the end of His earthly life was marked by pain, betrayal, humiliation, and a violent, unjust death, here we see a man who died as He lived.
Jesus isn’t stoic in His darkest hours. There’s the cry of despair, echoing the psalms: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46). But there’s also a humble submission as He takes His last breath and entrusts His spirit into the Father’s hands. (Luke 23:46). Despite the rejection of the crowds and all the humiliation they could throw at Him, He faces death with a sense of completion. He has followed God faithfully to the end, and the story isn’t over.
Even creation mourns, as “darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed” (vv.44–45). We read of earthquakes and the temple curtain ripping like garments of grief. But in this darkness, He is not alone. The women who followed Him watched from a distance, bravely keeping vigil. Maybe they hope He really will come down from the cross. If not, they will care for His body, giving Him the dignity He was denied in death.
A Roman centurion watches too. Perhaps he’d heard stories and rumors about this teacher that angered the crowds in Jerusalem and the Roman government alike. Likely he was just there to do his job, to keep order and stand guard for these crucifixions. Does he recognize the injustice in this death? Or is it Jesus’s constant forgiveness and love that opens the soldier’s eyes to the truth: “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (v.54).
In this darkest hour, it feels like all hope has died. Jesus—the one the disciples hoped would save Israel, the one who healed the sick and confounded the expert teachers, the one who faced violence and false accusations with clarity and purpose—is dead. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man and member of the Sanhedrin, offers Jesus a proper burial in a borrowed tomb. The women who loved Him wait and rest on the Sabbath, with plans to care for Him in death as they did in life.
We know this is not the end, but we cannot rush past this part of the story. Jesus has shown us how to suffer well, and knowing He has experienced the darkest depths of pain can give us hope. He was not alone, and neither are we.
Good morning everyone!! Hope you all have a good day. We woke up to a little bit of snow today! Nothing substantial though. I have my second annual evaluation at work today so I would love your prayers for that. It’s at 11am EST. I’m hoping to see about other opportunities I could do at my job that would take me off the call center and possibly reduce some stress, so we will see. Thankful for you all! I am going through the Bible Recap in my devo time, I’m currently on 2 Kings. A lot of chaos and violence in it, but trying to look for God and his character in the story.
@Rebecca W- thank you for being so faithful in your prayers for me and others :) I appreciate you.
@Taylor- glad to hear your group went well and you guys are learning the history of Scripture. There was one episode of that podcast I heard that really blessed me- about desert seasons. I pray it blesses you and the community does as well :)
@Lexi B- the worship night was awesome :) it was so good for me to be there. I spent a lot of the time interceding for the families I know. It was inspiring to be around those who know Christ, too.
@Lehua- thinking of you and your job <3 you can do this!
@Anne- I saw your comment from yesterday about letting go of things from the past. I feel for you as I struggle with this too. May the Lord give reveal to you His ABUNDANT grace in your story. May He remove the shame and show you His love that covers a multitude of sins. May He bless you with patience for yourself so that you can live more freely. I am praying the same for me! I pray you would walk in the freedom of His Spirit that takes us out of bondage and brings us into the bond of His love. May He bless you and encourage you to look ahead, not backward. <3
Today's scriptures were so moving. As I read that the graves were opened, it reminded me that death is defeated! I was singing "Raise a Hallelujah" last night and declaring that death is defeated. Christ has opened the graves, torn the veil, and now the presence of God is no longer hidden by a veil but available to all! Praise God!!!
TINA
Thank you for expressing so well what we all need to ponder and recognize: the depth of his suffering and it was for me, not just for everyone, but for me. It was my sin that took him to the cross and caused his great suffering
It’s such a comfort to know that Jesus has experienced pain, grief and rejection. We have a God that has felt pain and knows our pain. Praise God for his sacrifice!
Thank you for the reminder that I am not alone in my suffering cuz Jesus is with me
Such a good reminder that we are not alone in our trials and suffering. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers ❤️ Continuing to pray for all of you! I hope everyone has a blessed day ❤️
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Thank you Jesus.
Thank you Jesus.
Thank you Jesus.
I know my daddy loved me beyond measure and would have done much for me.
I know my mama loved me and she would have fiercely fought for me,if necessary.
I know my big strapping 6’3 + sons and grandson would drop anything for me..
My brothers who believed I was a sister to emulate, would defo down tools and come to my rescue, whatever the trouble or sadness..
BUT GOD..
BUT GOD..
BUT GOD..
God the Son, He would and did lay down His life for me. The sinner He hadn’t even met..yet.
He carried MY cross. He was nailed to that cross, arms outstretched in a love for me that brings me to tears, everytime! He took my beatings. He wore the crown of thorns that was mine, deservedly to wear. He was pierced in the side for what I would do, for my sins to come.. He prepared a way for me thousands of years before I was even a twinkle in my parents eyes.. to know the depth, length and breadth of His love. He took the words of hate and disrespect then, so I may know His forgiveness now, in my lifetime..
I have no doubt that the choices and decisions I have made in my life, will one day impact my children and the generations to come..Good or bad, but here’s the thing..
Jesus, God the Sons decision, will only ever, splice it how you like, will ALWAYS AND FOREVER BE FOR OUR GOOD!
Though we are sons and daughters of the Most High God (because of Jesus), He, Jesus, for His actions and loving kindness towards us, in taking and bearing our sins, so we could be made right with God.. surely IS TRULY THE SON OF GOD..
AMEN..
Thinking and praying for you all.. and sending love wrapped in hugs across the pond..
Happy Thursday!❤
I remember talking to a friend about the gory details of the crucifixion and her comment was “Stop… is it necessary to share all that gore?” My answer— YES. People like to gloss over quickly over the horrible details of Jesus’ death. His was a death that takes your breath away because of the suffering and the humiliation. But when I think of the physical pain, i think there is a tendency to read quickly because we don’t want to face the reality that the manner of his death is truly a representation of the ugliness of sin. For unbelievers, to hear the gore then turns into a call to learn more about this moment in history, but many do not want to go there. So I continue to pray that the crucifixion continues to be people to Jesus, and that they realize that this was truly the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Be blessed, sisters.