November 30

The Crucifixion

they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it. — Matt 27:34 BSB

We now come to the mount of our Redeemer’s sorrow. We should stand with reverence and awe as we gaze upon Him on the cross. Many thoughts fill our minds as we contemplate this scene.

First, we realize the gravity of sin. If the price of our salvation was this terrible sacrifice, how can we take sin lightly? Shall we continue to sin carelessly when we see the immense suffering our Savior endured to save us? Next, we marvel at the love in God’s heart that caused Him to give His Son to endure such a death for sinners.

We also see the worth of human souls. Despite the ruin of sin, Jesus saw enough value in humanity to give His life to redeem the lost. The cross reveals the immeasurable value of a soul in God’s eyes.

The cross is also a pattern for how we are to live. Jesus gave Himself entirely for the sake of others. The more we forget ourselves and live for others, the closer we come to Christ’s example. After seeing the cross, how can we ever complain about the little sacrifices we make for others? Jesus gave everything, and that should make us humble in the face of any small service we offer.

Crucifixion was meant to bring shame. It was a punishment so disgraceful that a person who died in this way was forever associated with dishonor. Yet, instead of being buried in shame, Jesus lifted the cross to glory. Today, the cross is a symbol of hope, victory, blessing, and joy wherever the Gospel has spread. Let us never be afraid to endure hardship for Christ’s sake, for when we carry our cross in His name, it becomes a “weight of glory.”