Passion Week Devotional

Pastor Latt

Via Dolorosa – Twelfth Station – Here Jesus dies on the Cross

GOD'S WORD: “It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23: 44-46)

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

FACT: Between two criminals, a mocking title above his head, with only Mary and John and Mary Magdalene to support him, Jesus surrenders his last breath: "Into your hands I commend my spirit."

INSPIRATION: There is an old legend that takes us back in time and recounts the time when Jesus slips back into heaven after He had died on the cross and rose from the dead. According to the legend, the angel Gabriel met him. Gabriel frowned when he saw the marks of Jesus’ scars of His tortuous years on earth, especially the scars of His crucifixion.
Gabriel said: “Master, you suffered terribly for those down on earth.”
“Yes, I did,” was Jesus’ reply.

Gabriel continued: “Do they all know now about your live and your forgiveness? Have they all heard about your death and resurrection?”

“No, not yet.” Said Jesus. “Right now only a handful knows. Only a handful of people in Palestine know about my death and resurrection.”

Gabriel looked perplexed. “Then”, he asked, “Euh… How will everyone find out about your wonderful life and your sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection?”

“I have asked Peter, James, John and a handful of friends and followers to tell other people about it. And when other people hear and believe, they in turn will tell others. And Gabriel, by and by, the planet earth will hear the message.”

Still frowning, the angel responded: “But, hmmm, you know how people are on earth. What if they… What if Peter, James and John get tired? What is they tell the story and then the next generation gets all involved in other pursuits? What if way down in the 18th or 20th century, people aren’t committed any longer to your commission? Have you made other plans?”
The Lamb of God looked directly at the angel of God and said: “I have not made any other plans. I am counting on them.”

MEDITATION: I stand there, at the foot of the cross, side by side with all of humanity, and behold our salvation. I carefully watch and listen to all that is said. And then, I experience the one who gives life pass from life to death, for me. I console Mary and John and Mary. And let them console me. This is the hour to express the deepest feelings within me.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, you have sent your Son Jesus Christ and died on the cross in my place. I am so thankful to you that all my sins have been washed away by your precious blood. Help us to remember this each and every minute so that I will be able to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to this world. In precious Jesus’ name. Amen.