Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.
Read Luke 23:42–43
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42–43)
We are not surprised to find a God-ordained and therefore significant reason behind the arrangement of Golgotha’s three crosses. It gave Jesus an opportunity to reach out in hope and compassion to those desperately in need. But make no mistake: He did so while continuing to endure inexpressible pain.
Read Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Though I realize it had to be, though I understand what it accomplished, and though I know that a brilliant dawn awaited Him who endured the darkest of all days, I am unable to shake free from the sound of those square nails being pounded into place. I cannot erase from my mind “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.” Perhaps I shouldn’t try. And perhaps you shouldn’t either.
Read Mark 15:24
Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. (Mark 15:24)
Crucifixion ranks right up there on the short list of the most painful and torturous deaths ever devised. In the first century, the cross meant death...but not just any death. It meant the most hideous, anguished death imaginable.
Read Matthew 27:29–30, 16:24–25
Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. (Matthew 27:29–30)
Knowing in his heart that Jesus was innocent, Pilate compromised his convictions to appease the people and turned Him over to the mob. His fear of people was greater than his fear of God.
Read Acts 2:23, 3:18; Psalm 22:16,18
“God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.” (Acts 2:23)
Jesus of Nazareth had a magnificent obsession: the cross. He was consumed by a compelling sense of divine providence, and each day of His adult life drew Him inexorably closer to the fulfilment of His mission.
Read Matthew 27:21–22
“Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:21–22)
Read John 18:12; Romans 5:8
So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. (John 18:12)
Jesus’ first three trials were religious in nature. The accusation was blasphemy, which was an offense that was admissible only in a Jewish court of law. So when Jesus stood before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin (trials one, two, and three), He was accused of blasphemy. But the charge of blasphemy meant nothing in a Roman court of law.
Read Mark 15:1–2
They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.” (Mark 15:1–2)
Read Mark 14:30–31
“Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” (Mark 14:30–31)
Read Mark 14:37–38; Luke 9:23
“Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:37–38)
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