When I think of the cross, I can only ask, “Why Lord”? Why would He sacrifice His perfect self for a disgraceful and evil world? The love Jesus demonstrated by His willingness to endure such tremendous loss is overwhelming. The cross cost Jesus everything. In His humanity, it cost Him His dignity and His life. In His divinity, He surrendered the rights of His Lordship over all of Creation long enough to let those He created crucify Him. The very Word of God did not utter a word in His defense.
He humbly gave Himself for us. Jesus laid down His life to atone for your sin and mine. As we approach Good Friday this year, please don’t let it pass without meditating on the incredible sacrifice of our King. It’s not comfortable to think of what He went through on our behalf, but we must dwell on the cost to understand the gravity and necessity of the sacrifice.
Think about the torture inflicted upon His body in the hours leading to His crucifixion. The pain was real. He felt it in His humanness. Flesh ripped from the bone. Thorns shoved deep into His head, blow after blow impacting His face. Why Lord? Why would You subject Yourself to such agony? For me? I can’t speak when I think of His love for us at that moment. As He was suffering, His thoughts were somehow on us. Why else would He not have put a stop to the pain? He knew the mission, and He would not be denied its completion. And I am devastated thinking about it.
As Jesus hung on the cross, slowly, mercilessly dying for us, He did not call down legions of angels to save Him and obliterate those who were abusing Him. His mercy transcended the injustice of it all. And moments before He died, every sin of humanity was placed upon Him. My sin on His perfection, the blackness of my heart invading the pure white of His holiness. The man who knew no sin suddenly took it all on Himself. Perfection marred so that we might be purified. He died, so we might live.
Never forget what Jesus did on your behalf. Never take for granted what it cost Him. Easter is a day to celebrate His resurrection, and we should celebrate like no other day. But there is no resurrection without first coming to the cross. There is no hope without first enduring the despair of the price paid for our souls. Do not let the memory of the cross pass by too quickly. Dwell on what Jesus did for each of us, despite our wretched selves. The cross is horrific and the sacrifice unimaginable.
Why Lord? Why would you give up your life for the likes of me? I’ve slandered Your Name, brought shame to Your Kingdom, and have been the worst of sinners. So, why would you die for me? To say we don’t deserve You or what You have done for us is the understatement of eternity. We deserve only death, but you offer mercy. As we commemorate Your crucifixion, I am reminded of how holy You are and how unworthy I am. Forgive me, Lord, for my foolishness and lack of understanding of You. Forgive me for my sin and my arrogance and pride. Thank You for the cross and for the victory You won there. I am in awe of your love for me.