How does the crucifixion of Jesus affect you? Does it only remind you that you have been forgiven? Does it only remind you that salvation is available to you? Does it only remind you that there is hope? Or does it have a much deeper meaning to you?
Jesus’ crucifixion should affect us deep in our soul, deep in our inner being, right down to our very last cell. We need to pause for a few moments and reflect deeply on what He did for us. Let’s just make a quick comparison.
Let’s suppose we were in mortal danger. Perhaps someone was threatening our very life while standing directly in front of us. We are frightened and thinking we are about to die. Suddenly, someone overpowers the would-be attacker and removes the threat. How do we feel about the person who just saved us?
Now, let’s take that one step further. Let’s assume the person who saved us was a close relative. Let’s assume that person was mortally wounded while saving us. I believe I can reasonably assume each one of us will remember that person for the rest of our lives. Not only that, but we will celebrate their birthdays, weep tears over their grave on the anniversary of their death, and we may even dedicate our lives to honoring them by how we live.
If we are willing to do all this for someone who saved our mortal life, shouldn’t we do the same for the One who has granted us eternal life? Perhaps we need to reflect deeply on what Jesus has done for us.
I pray we all reflect deeply on Jesus. I pray we recall His ministry and saving grace. I pray each one of us will seek to honor Him by the way we live our lives. Take time to reflect on Jesus. Ponder Jesus’ death. Understand what He did for you. Dedicate your life in remembrance of Him.
John 19:16b-18 So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them.
Marty Pressey 