A UNIQUE DEATH FOR A UNIQUE MAN

“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed.”  (Luke 23:32 NIV)

Though we find it hard and even repulsive to imagine, Jesus was only one of many people tortured to death by crucifixion. He had two companions at the brow of Calvary. But His experience on the cross included several added sobering features. A unique death for a unique man:

First, it was shameful. He was stripped of His clothing and pinned naked between heaven and earth. There’s no mention of the soldiers casting lots for the clothing of the other victims. He was ridiculed by the crowds and taunted by one of the criminals. Jesus suffered the humiliation of the sign posted over His head that attempted to mock His claim to be king.

Second, He was absolutely innocent -- and He could prove it! He was there by choice. The nails didn’t keep Him on the cross. His decision to remain there was stronger than His desire to avoid the pain. Think for a moment how tempting it must have been to have a self-pity party.

Third, Jesus bore the sins of the world -- including yours and mine -- on the cross.

Fourth, He sensed the forsaking action of God as His Father turned away from Him, covered as He was in our sins. 

-- Neil Wilson

#5574

THE HEART OF JESUS – Part 1 of 3

The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women (Luke 8:1-3), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by His own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested His mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described Him as a "lamb, unblemished and spotless" (1 Peter 1:19 NASB). After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, "And in Him is no sin" (1 John 3:5 NIV).

Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted His hand to heal. His heart was at peace. When His disciples abandoned Him, did He pout and go home? When Peter denied Him, did Jesus lose His temper? When the soldiers spit in His face, did He breathe fire in theirs? Far from it. He was at peace. He forgave them. He refused to be guided by vengeance. 

-- Max Lucado in “A Heart Like Jesus”

#5532