[Devotion] The Cross and the Death of Jesus

Friday

📖 Matt. 26:47–27:61; Mark 14:43–15:47; Luke 22:47–23:56; John 18:1–19:42; Acts 1:18–19

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was arrested. His closest friends fled. He was dragged before a court that had already passed its verdict before the trial began. He was falsely accused, spat upon, beaten, and led to Golgotha. From a human perspective, this was a tragic failure. But from the eyes of faith, it was the perfect fulfillment of God’s plan. The Holy Son willingly gave Himself to bear the wrath for sin. He was punished not because He was guilty, but because of His love for a people who truly deserved judgment.

When the nails pierced His hands and feet, Jesus did not resist. When mockery came from all directions, He remained silent. On the cross, He cried, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”—not because He had lost faith, but because He was fully entering the separation we deserved. Then, when all was complete, He cried out, “It is finished.” Not a cry of defeat, but a declaration of victory. The sacrifice was complete. The price was paid in full. The temple curtain was torn in two. The way to God was opened by the blood of the Lamb.

Today, we do not merely remember the death of Jesus. We give thanks, for by His wounds we are healed. We come to the cross not to feel pity, but to bow and believe. Here lies the foundation of our hope. Here sin is conquered, death is overthrown, and the love of God shines with unmatched brilliance. The cross is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of new life.