Our Hearts Burn Within UsSample

Embracing the Cross: Jesus’ Sacrifice and Our Response

During Holy Week, we receive an invitation to contemplate the meaning behind Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. In Luke 23:26-43, we discover Jesus, perfect and sinless, yet hanging on the cross between two guilty criminals. Among the noise, the rulers gibed, the soldiers mocked, the crowd ridiculed, the mourners mourned, and the suffering Savior interceded. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Even during His darkest hour, Jesus spoke words of mercy and forgiveness, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His redemptive mission.

In verse 37, the soldiers sarcastically challenged Jesus, saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” This statement, though sarcastic, reflected Israel’s expectation that the promised Messiah would save them through military might. But, contrary to their expectations, the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation would not come through military victory but through Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice on the cross.

This passage and this season invite us to reflect on how we respond to God’s promises. Like those in the crowd, we often expect God’s plan for our lives to line up with our plans for ease, success, comfort, or visible triumph. Yet Jesus’ example shows us that God’s perfect plan for our lives often unfolds in difficult places and through challenging circumstances. As Jesus’ path ran through the cross, our spiritual journey often takes us through times of struggle, suffering, sacrifice, and humility. How will you respond?

As we continue our journey through Holy Week, let us fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2), the suffering Savior, the promised King, the fulfillment of the covenant, the source of eternal life, the reason for our hope, and the One in whom all of God’s promises find their fulfillment.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As we reflect on Your sacrifice this Holy Week, we thank You for fulfilling God’s promises through Your suffering. In the midst of mockery and pain, You extended grace, showing us that true victory comes through obedience. Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, teach us to trust in Your way, even when it challenges our desire for comfort and success. Open our hearts to receive Your love, and may our hearts burn within us as we remember the depths of Your grace and look to Jesus, the fulfillment of all Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.