April 4

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” — Matt 27:46 BSB

There is a picture that captures the scene after the crucifixion. It is over. The crowds have gone. The evening sun is shining once again on Calvary. Jesus’ body has been taken to the tomb, and the cross lies on the ground. A group of children, innocent and pure, wander to the place, drawn by curiosity. One child holds a nail that had pierced the hands or feet of Jesus, and he stands frozen in horror, gazing at it. His tender heart is deeply shocked by the sin that caused such suffering. The same look of horror is etched on all the children’s faces.

Anyone with a pure and gentle heart can only look at the cross of Christ with amazement and horror at the magnitude of sin.

It was sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.

It was sin that wove the crown of thorns for His head.

We say the Jews crucified Christ; yes—but we played a part too!

Our sins drove the nails!

Do you want to understand the horror of sin? Stand by the cross and ponder its dreadful work in the death of the Redeemer. See what it cost the Lamb of God to take away sin!