TORTURED FOR ME, AND YOU
After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30 ESV
As I observe Good Friday, I am reminded of the torture Jesus Christ endured for a night and a day as He faced execution on a wooden cross. He was prepared to die to take the punishment for the sin of everyone. In our modern minds, it is difficult to recreate the kind of trauma, turmoil, and blood loss that accompanied Jesus’ torture. He endured it because of His great love for us. In fact, He was born to die for us. There was good to be achieved from the bad.
I have a minor experience to compare to make an application. Twice in ten years, I spent many hours in a chair to receive chemotherapy to treat malignant can
cer. I had a 20% chance of survival. I endured the harsh side effects of the medication because I wanted to try to live longer. Although I knew the negative effects the drugs would have on my body, I sat down of my own volition so I might have a positive outcome. (stock photo, not me)
Jesus endured the torture of his scourging and crucifixion because He loves us. His shed blood was required to cover our sin and give us a right relationship with God. While hanging on the cross, Jesus said “It is finished”. His earthly life was finished. His sacrifice was finished. Everything we need to be forgiven is finished. There is nothing left for us to do but believe it all. And when He rose from the dead three days later, He made the way for us to live in heaven when we die. That is a really great promise when you’ve had cancer twice.
And please do not think you must be good, clean up your life, or understand the Bible, before you choose to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. You can do nothing to earn eternal life or to make up for your sins. It is finished.
I am living a busy, fulfilled life now in cancer remission. I don’t know how long it will last but I intend to live every day in gratitude for the torture Jesus endured for me because He loves me. I pray you will consider it too. Happy Easter, dear reader.