Thursday, February 11

Scripture: John 19

Key points to ponder:  Here is the climax of the entire story of Jesus, and the reason why he became man and lived on earth in the first place. We see him, even in the midst of the greatest suffering, continue to impact lives. He converses with Pilate, he connects John and his mother Mary so that she would be cared for, and he impacts Joseph and Nicodemus (remember the Pharisee who went to ask Jesus questions secretly in chapter 3?). But the greatest of all, Jesus impacts our lives through this moment, because when he died on the cross he paid the price for all of our sins.

Challenging terms: Rome was the only entity that could inflict capital punishment, which is why Pilate, the Governor, played the role he did.

Question: What is Jesus’ purpose for dying like this? (I know there is an easy surface answer to this, but really think about this one). 

Prayer: Father, thank you for sending your son to die for us, even as we go against him at times and take his death for granted. 

Consider praying that Jesus would give you eyes to see what his work on the cross really means for you.