Holy Week: A Walk to the CrossSample

It Should Have Been Us

This is Good Friday. But if you were standing in the crowd that day, nothing about it would have seemed good.

Just days earlier, people were shouting “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Now, they were yelling “Crucify Him!” The same voices that praised Him turned against Him. But none of this caught Jesus off guard. Everything was happening exactly as God had planned.

Jesus was whipped and beaten beyond recognition. Soldiers mocked Him, placing a crown of thorns on His head. He carried His own cross through the streets while people spit on Him and laughed. Then, He was nailed to it between two criminals, though He had done nothing wrong.

And yet, the worst part wasn’t the pain. It wasn’t the betrayal. It wasn’t the mocking. The worst part was when Jesus, for the first time ever, was separated from His Father.

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

In that moment, Jesus felt the full weight of sin. Our sin. He took it all—every lie, every mistake, every shameful thought, every wrong choice. He took the punishment we deserved.

It should have been us. We belonged on that cross. We were the ones guilty. But Jesus took our place. He willingly suffered so we wouldn’t have to. He chose death so we could have life.

Imagine standing at the foot of the cross, looking up at Jesus. Blood dripping, struggling to breathe, body broken—but His eyes filled with love. That’s what He did for you. That’s what He did for all of us.

And then, with His final breath, He said, “It is finished.”

It wasn’t just the end of His suffering. It was the end of sin’s power over us. His death made a way for us to be free.

Reflection Question:

How does knowing Jesus took your place change the way you live?

Prayer:

Jesus, I can never thank You enough for what You did on the cross. It should have been me, but you took my place. Help me to never take that for granted. Let my life be a reflection of my gratitude for your sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.