Devotion:
Read Matthew 27:39-44.
Jesus endured mocking and insults throughout his ministry on earth. And even as he was led away to be crucified and was placed on the cross, those insults continued. This passage lets us know who hurled those insults: passersby, chief priests, teachers of the law, older Jewish leaders, and the criminals on the crosses beside Jesus. They mocked Jesus for who he really was and is. They mocked him as a Savior. They mocked him as a King. They mocked him for his trust in God. They mocked him as the Son of God.
They said if he would come down from the cross, they would believe him. However, it’s because he did not save himself from the cross that he was able to save others. And Luke tells us in his Gospel that one of those robbers repented and was saved. As it turned out, Jesus was who he said he was, Son of God and Savior of the world. Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose on the third day. He showed mercy, grace, and forgiveness to all those who reviled and ridiculed him. He continues to offer his love to all who will receive. The Resurrected Christ has transformed more lives than any other person in history. At well past 2 billion people, Christianity remains the world's largest religious group. Let’s be thankful today that Jesus endured mockery and the pain of the cross so that we can be forgiven and have eternal life.
Personal Worship Option:
Did you know that more hymns and songs have been written about Jesus than any other person in history? Reflect today on a beautiful song, “Merciful” by Graham Kendrick, that reminds us to extend grace and mercy to others the way Christ has shown it to us.
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