“…and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.” – Matthew 27:29b-32 ESV
This week, our reading has focused on Jesus’ brutal treatment after arrest. Betrayed by Judas. Accused by Jewish leaders and condemned to crucifixion by the crowd. Mocked, abused, and spat on by the soldiers. But he did not fight back, he endured. For Us.
He gave up his rights. He offered forgiveness – even when none of those responsible showed remorse.
“And then, one man is forced to take part in His story by carrying Jesus’ cross. And the devotion notes that he unwittingly modeled Jesus’ teaching that whoever wants to follow him, must take up their cross.”
And that got me thinking… “Are we willing to carry our cross – like the heavy weight of forgiveness that comes when someone has acted unjustly or harmed us, or when those who’ve wronged us aren’t at all sorry?” Are we willing to walk with Jesus on the long road to freedom and restoration?
Reflect… Am I willing to carry my cross, to follow Jesus when it doesn’t make sense, or the path is unexpected? Do I trust him to work all things for my good?
Pray With Me… Heavenly Father, help to bear my cross – daily and in revealed circumstances. Reveal to me the places I need to follow you, and those where I need to die to my self (my pride, my ego, my desires). Help me to be a friend who loves and serves sacrificially like your Son demonstrated to us, and to prove that I am you your his disciple to a world who needs to know your love!
Related YouVersion Reading Plan: ‘Journeying With Jesus – 40 Days Lent Devotional.’ Join us for daily or weekly reading, here -> :
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