Week 4: Hope is Alive
There are moments in history that shift everything. Moments that divide time, reshape culture, and leave a lasting mark. But no event has ever carried the weight of what happened on the cross. At the cross, love was tested like never before, and the grace of God was lavished upon his people. In an instant, the weight of all past, present, and future sin was borne and paid for. Today, let’s pause and reflect on Jesus' profound sacrifice and how it changes everything for us.
Read Luke 23:39-49 (ESV)
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Reflection:
How does the crucifixion reveal the depth of God’s love for you?
What does Jesus’ willingness to endure such suffering teach you about the nature of His mission and the cost of forgiveness?
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