
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. And they crucified Him. Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
It was nine in the morning when they crucified Him. The written notice of the charge against Him read: The King of the Jews.
They crucified two rebels with Him, one on His right and one on His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! Let the Messiah, the king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.
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Just reading through this scripture, I can’t help but think the words of those mocking Jesus hurt worse than the pain of the cross. Can you imagine, being crucified, for the very people who were insulting and mocking you? That’s what Jesus went through. His disciples had all ran…in fact the only disciple we have proof was even there was John. The love that Jesus displayed for us all in these moments is incomprehensible. How can we be loved that much? He went through all of this for you and me. I pray you let that truly sink in. The price for our soul was a sacrifice no one could endure but God Himself. And He did so willingly…because He loves you that much. We serve an amazing God…let your life be a reflection of His love.