May 2, 2022
What does it say?
Pilate sentenced Jesus to death on a cross. Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for permission to bury Jesus’ body.
What does it mean?
Jesus had been welcomed into Jerusalem as “The King of Israel.” Now He stood wearing a crown of thorns, beaten and mocked as soldiers sarcastically called out, “Hail, King of the Jews!” The shouts of “Hosanna” turned to “Crucify!” Even though Pilate gave in to the crowd by consenting to Jesus’ death, His life was not taken – it was given as payment for every sin mankind had and would ever take part in. He didn’t give up His spirit until He could finally say, “It is finished!” God’s plan for the redemption of the world was complete.
How should I respond?
Americans can’t seem to get enough reality TV. We spend hours watching people publicly air the best and worst of humanity. But have you taken time to see yourself realistically? The crucifixion of Jesus requires you to “come into contact with the rugged reality of Redemption” – Oswald Chambers. Either you accept Jesus’ payment for your sin, or you choose to stand before God in judgment one day. What is your response to the cross? The reality of redemption makes your new reality possible: the guilty declared righteous. When was the last time you stopped to thank God for the Cross?