Many times before this day, this man had pursued a solitary walk.
Many times He sought solitude, a time to be alone in conversation with His father.
He often found himself walking through crowds wishing to stone Him , not for crimes, but for touching those seeking to be healed, and giving them this healing. His strength of character allowed Him to remain unharmed no matter how angry the crowd seeking to harm Him. (He was in the world, and although the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to those who were His own but His own did not recognize Him.)
This day would be different. It was a Thursday evening. In the company of Peter, James, and John, He approached the garden of Gethsemane. Leaving them aside, He knelt and spoke to His father in Heaven. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
Now He would face a different crowd. He could walk away unharmed. He did not. Obeying the will of His Father, He submitted to those who came to arrest Him.
He accepted their rebuke, their scourging, their insults. He accepted the crown of thorns, the brutality of the whip. Acceptance without complaint. And He carried his cross to a hill called Galgotha.
He had no stately form, no majesty that we should be attracted to Him. His majesty was in His teaching. Yet He was despised; forsaken by men.
He bore our griefs; He carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions; bruised for our iniquities. The chastening for our well being was upon Him. And like a lamb led to the slaughter, He did not open His mouth.
To create a highway by which you and I can proceed to eternal life with the forgiveness of our sins, He accepted crucifixion.
A Roman Centurion assigned to the crucifixion recognized Him and is recorded as saying, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” Pilate, the Governor of Judea, recognized him and had an inscription placed on the cross, “The King of the Jews.” His name is Jesus.
Jesus took on the sins of the world with His crucifixion. To enter His kingdom, to have eternal life, Jesus made it simple. With His crucifixion He paved a road for us. Recognize Him. Believe in Him.
Confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you shall be saved. He who believes shall never die but shall have eternal life.
Forgive me Lord for I am a sinner.
This Easter Message was brought to you by Charles Schau of Risen Son Ministries. You can contact him at [email protected]
