(Jesus) humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)
In his book “Dare to Believe”, Dan Bauman wrote – “Crucifixion was the most painful method of public death in the first century. The victim was placed on a wooden cross. Nails were driven into the hands and feet of the victim, and then the cross was lifted and jarred into the ground, tearing the flesh of the crucified and racking his body with excruciating pain. Historians remind us that even the soldiers could not get used to the horrible sight, and often took strong drink to numb their senses.”
Billy Graham preached – “Think of Christ’s suffering for you and for me. It’s said that Jesus endured five kinds of wounds: Concussion, when they beat Him on the head; laceration, when they bared His back and took long leather whips with steel pellets on the end and beat Him until He was bleeding from head to toe; penetration, when they crushed that crown of thorns on His brow; perforation, when they drove the nails through His hands and feet; and incision, when they put the spear into His side.”
Christ’s torture was not only physical, but emotional when He had to bear mankind’s horrendous sins, shame and being separated from His Heavenly Father during that dreadful time. Just imagine being alienated from the One who loves you most, the One you depend upon daily for love, sustenance, strength, provision and answered prayers.
Yet with every difficult and excruciating breath our precious Lord Jesus took when on the Cross, He was saying to you and to me, “I love you, my dearest child! I love you! I am doing this for you! Just as I forgave those who nailed Me to the cross, so I forgive you and love you! Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt. 11:28-29) I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying. (John 11) I love you and I give My life for you SO THAT you can also join Me in glory one day when you surrender yourself to Me.”
Myrtle Turunen