Thoughts on the Way to the Cross

Jesus, Our Representative

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Scripture Comments: We deserve punishment for our sins, but Christ took them on and died for our sins once and for all. We cannot grasp Christ choosing to be our representative, taking on “our sins in his body on the tree”. Our sins, our every wrongdoing, died with Christ on the cross. We, as believers, are forgiven and made right with God. His wounds have healed us and given us new life!

What is so humbling about what Christ did for you?

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Thoughts on the Way to the Cross

Jesus, Revealer of God’s Love

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Scripture Comments: Do you find it difficult to see God’s love in your life, are you beginning to see His love, or do you see God loving you daily? Where are you in believing that God loves you? Pray, thanking God for His love, and asking Him to help you grow stronger in faith so you can more fully know and see His loving presence in your life.

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Thoughts On the Way to the Cross

Jesus, Connected to the Father

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24 (NIV)

Scripture Thoughts: To believe the Father is to believe in the Son who was sent by the Father. Believing in the Father and Son gives eternal life. Believers will never receive condemnation for their sins and will “cross over from death to life.”

Consider what John 5:24 means to you.

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Thoughts on the Way to the Cross

“…not what I will, but what you will”

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36 (NIV)

Scripture Thoughts: Jesus could have used His great powers and escaped. Jesus accepted God’s will for Him, not His own. His suffering and forthcoming death were overwhelming. He knew He would be taking on the sins of the world and would therefore greatly suffer from being separated from God. God did not take away the “cup”. God took away Jesus’ distress and overwhelming sorrow. He gave Jesus the peace and strength He would need on His way to the cross to carry out His Father’s will.

What is God calling you to do? What is standing in your way? Pray. Trust Him to give you what you need.

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Thoughts on the Way to the Cross

Jesus Devoted Himself to Prayer

He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." Mark 14:33-34 (NIV)

Scripture Thoughts: Jesus, in His human nature, experienced distress and was troubled. He knew of His coming death and what it was to accomplish. He had shared it with His disciples to prepare them. As the time came closer, Jesus became overwhelmed at the thought of what He was going to experience. He wanted to spend time with His Father, in prayer, as long as He could.

Who or what do you want to spend time with when you are overwhelmed with life situations?

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