Day 63: March 30

Matthew 27:27-66

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT
OBSERVATION
After Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was arrested by a great crowd with swords and clubs led by Judas, one of Jesus' disciples. He was then brought to the high priest Caiaphas, who falsely accused him of blasphemy. Jesus is denied by Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, three times. After that, Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.

⬆️ Jesus is scourged and mocked by Roman soldiers, forced to carry his own cross to Golgotha, and crucified alongside two criminals (vv. 27-38). Jesus, who is both God and the true King, experienced suffering, pain, shame, and humiliation as the lowest of sinners, at the hands of the very people whom He created.

⬇️ People passing by the crucifixion site taunt Jesus, referencing his earlier statement about rebuilding the temple in three days, and challenging him to save himself if he is truly the Son of God. Similarly, the religious leaders mock Jesus, doubting his ability to save himself despite his previous acts of healing, and sarcastically suggest that if he truly is the King of Israel, he should come down from the cross, promising to believe in him if he does so. Even the other two criminals crucified alongside joined in mocking Jesus (vv. 39-44).

⬆️ Jesus experienced the pain of being forsaken even by His Father God. (v. 46).

⬇️ A centurion recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and declares, "Truly, this man was the Son of God!" This realization comes after witnessing the tearing of the temple curtain, the earthquake, and the opening of tombs when Jesus released his spirit (vv. 50-54).
 
APPLICATION
➡️ Jesus was betrayed and abandoned, not only by those unfamiliar with Him, but also by His closest followers who witnessed His actions and teachings. Despite having the authority to judge and govern all things, Jesus endured unjust punishment, humiliation, and suffering on the cross at the hands of the human rulers of this world. Why did he have to endure such a tough, painful journey, feeling abandoned and facing death?

As I delve into the details of Jesus' suffering on the cross, I am struck by the sheer scale of his sacrifice. The depth of his love, which fueled his endurance of such a barbaric ordeal, is truly inspiring. It's truly astounding to consider how someone who is fully God and fully human, the King of Kings, Lord of lords, and King of the universe, could willingly endure such immense suffering and shame.

He willingly bore the punishment for all my wrongdoings, offering a way back to God that I could never achieve on my own. His unconditional love, even for those who ridiculed him, is beyond comprehension.

The fact that Jesus felt pain and even felt alone on the cross makes me feel closer to him, like he understands what it's like for things to be tough. And even though he died, it wasn't the end. It was actually a win over death itself! Knowing that he went through all that suffering just to give me a eternal life fills me with tons of thanks and makes me believe in him even more.

PRAYER
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