The Darkest Day

• How do you feel when you hear the crucifixion story?

• Why did Jesus have to suffer so much?

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Matthew 27:50

After Jesus was sentenced to death, Pilate’s soldiers beat him viciously. They made a crown of thorns and put it on his head while they mocked him and spat on him. They struck him over the head with a wooden staff. They whipped him until his back was raw and bloody. They made him carry his cross until he collapsed from exhaustion and pain.

At the execution site, they laid him on rough wooden beams. They drove a nail through each of his wrists and one through his feet to attach him to the cross. His suffering was terrible. The only innocent person who ever lived took on himself the sins of the entire world. His misery continued for hours until he finally gave up his life.

For many people, the crucifixion story is hard to read or listen to. What makes it even harder is the fact that it’s our fault. Jesus had to suffer and die because of us. Before we can celebrate his resurrection, we have to own up to our role in the crucifixion. Jesus came to earth to save us. For that, we can never be thankful enough.

PRAYER
Dear God, forgive us for the sins that caused your Son so much pain and suffering. Thank you for loving us enough to save us from those sins. Let us never forget what our salvation cost. Amen.