T H E O P H I L U S

“they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him.
Then they led him away to crucify him.”
Matthew 27:31

Last night as I reflected on the cross, I had to think about what it took Jesus to sacrifice himself on the cross. Being fully man, but also fully God, Jesus had the power and authority to pour out wrath on those who created a mockery of him. But significantly, Jesus does none of that. Although it says the soldiers took the robe off of Jesus, in many ways this was symbolic and heavy with purpose – that Christ should lower himself to become a slave for our sins, to pay for our iniquities. A King, had given himself as a sacrifice for the people who would betray him. For Jesus to pick up that cross and die on it for the people who nailed him to it. That he not only bears the weight of the cross on his shoulders, but everything that it symbolizes. Every sin, every pain, and ever burden – for the people who caused all of that to him.

Today, I reflect on what Jesus has done for us and it brings me to utter humility. I have nothing to complain in life, and nothing to compare in the suffering which he has faced for you and I. May you be blessed to know how great his love for you is in his act of carrying that rugged cross for you.