The Cross

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."   Luke 23:34   NKJV

Jesus' body was totally disfigured and in awful pain but He still had to carry His own cross until, someone was found to assist Him. There were two criminals with Him about to share the same fate. One blasphemed all the time, the other one tried to keep him quiet. All around, the excitement of a public execution was thrilling most of the onlookers. They cursed Him, ridiculed Him and were totally disrespectful. As the soldiers drove the nails into His body, the pain must have been awful. Have a splinter in your finger and it hurts, imagine a 7 inch mail through His feet and hands. It is also possible that a larger nail was placed between Jesus' legs, in the crutch area. This would allow Him to bear His body for a short time.

As the cross was hoisted up with Jesus on it, it rattled down into the hole and this must have pulled some of his muscles out. On the ground, some cast lots for His clothes. Some feel that Jesus had seamless clothes which would have made them in the class of designer. However, we have nothing to prove this theory. From the cross, Jesus shouted,"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."  But many were too busy watching the proceedings to hear. One of the criminals at the side of Jesus, continued to blaspheme Jesus, but the other one said, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom. Jesus replied, 'Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' (Luke 23:42-43.) This comment from Jesus, ends speculation that initially when we die, we may not be with Jesus, that there is a waiting time. Not so, Jesus said 'Today' and I believe it.

From the 6 hour (12 noon) until the 9th hour (3pm) there was darkness all around. Why? Because the Light of the world had been taken out. 

We all have our own feelings about the cross and many are so personal. Yes, Jesus suffered in such a way so that we, may have freedom - salvation, forgiveness and life. He did it all for us that day 2000 years ago. But, He will be back, the evil could not even attempt to keep Him locked in death. Thank you Jesus

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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