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“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ And they slapped him in the face.”

– John 19:1-3

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, there’s no better time to remember the long and painful road our Savior endured to get to the cross. After three years of difficult public ministry that were no doubt physically, emotionally and spiritually draining, He was betrayed by one of His disciples and turned over to Roman authorities, who, after pressure from the zealots among His own people, agreed to have Him killed. As if the sentence of death by crucifixion wasn’t horrendous enough, He was beaten to the point of being bloody and a crown of thorns was placed on His head. After that, He was forced to carry His cross up a hill while being mocked and spit on. All of this torture happened before He was actually hung to die; once He was on the cross, He faced many more hours of excruciating pain.

Though we will never know the depth of what Jesus endured, when we are His disciples, there are many twists and turns on the roads of our lives, and often they take us through the valleys of pain, death, and loss. No one knew this more than our Savior. Though He could have died an easy and painless death, He suffered to redeem our pain. There is nothing we brave in this crazy world that He cannot relate to, empathize with, or comfort us through, because He endured the ultimate trial and rose triumphant!

Friend, every great story involves pain and requires sacrifice, and yours is no exception. Thankfully, our Lord set the ultimate example. When you are tempted to fall into the worldly trap of believing that life is a bed of roses, remember what Jesus endured, but more importantly, remember what He accomplished! Because He was willing to give it all, He gained everything and has made you an heir of it. Embrace your journey knowing that your suffering Savior has gone before you to resurrect and redeem your body, soul, and spirit. You are His precious child and He went to the cross for you; receive that truth today and bask in the wonder of His love!

Prayer


Lord Jesus, thank you for going to the cross for me. Even though I endure trials and hardships, I know that you have redeemed my pain.

Reflection

As you think about your suffering Savior, what strikes you? What can you learn from His sacrifice?

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6 Responses

  1. Whrn I was going through chemotherapy for my ovarian cancer.There were lots of bad side effects.Such as losing my hair,being tired all the time,having a metal taste in my mouth.And sitting on the bathroom floor vomiting into the toilet.It was sheer hell.But I knew that in the end it meant victory over cancer for me.I want to wish Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family a Blessed and Glorious Happy Easter, And to the congregation of Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church warm Easter Greetings.As always I remain your faithful viewer of the Hour of Power and Happy and Wholesome Student of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless the Hour of Power choir and Orchestra for the gloriously triumphant music and singing

    1. Hi Donna! Wow! Praise Jesus that you are doing better and that you made it through the horror of chemotherapy. We rejoice with you for the healing you have received! Thanks again for your support and prayers for this ministry! God loves you and so do we!

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